Former MP Denies All Charges

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 30

The Public Prosecution extended the detention of MP Musallam Al-Barrak until Wednesday to complete interrogations on charges of undermining the status of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, challenging the monarchy and the Amir's authority.

The prosecution interrogated Al-Barrak from 4:30 to 9:30 pm on Monday -- a day after he was arrested for uttering statements deemed offensive to the Amir at a public rally on Oct 15. His three lawyers -- Mohammad Al-Jassem, Abdulrahman Al-Barrak and Fawaz Al-Jadie -- were with him during the interrogation. He denied all the charges and demanded for the testimonies of HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak; former Minister of Commerce, Industry and Housing Affairs Anas Al-Saleh; and Secretary General of the National Front for the Protection of the Constitution Ahmad Al-Dayeen to know their opinions on his statements in the rally. He added that in the previous meeting of the Majority Bloc with the premier, the latter said he is against the issuance of a decree to amend the voting system; while Al-Saleh resigned in protest against the decree.

During the interrogation, about 200 supporters of Al-Barrak, including his former colleagues at the Parliament Khalid Tahous, Jamaan Al-Harbash, Falah Al-Sawagh, Nayef Merdaz, Hamad Matar, Al-Saifi Mubarak Al-Saifi and Bader Dahoum, gathered in front of the Justice Palace to demand his release. 

Amidst a heavy security presence, the demonstrators called for the release of Al-Barrak, warning that they will continue holding protests until their demand is met. They raised slogans like, 'The nation demands the release of the 'nation's heart' (Al-Barrak)', 'We will never surrender', 'The Constitution is a red line', 'Justice is the basis of leadership', and 'The people are the source of all powers.' They also carried his photos with the words, 'Freedom for Al-Barrak, release Al-Barrak.' 

A large number of security forces and riot police were deployed to the palace to disperse the crowd who earlier refused to move to the Erada Square. The former lawmakers then urged the protesters to move to the square in compliance with the instructions of the security officers who pointed out that the Gathering Law does not allow more than 20 people to assemble in any public place, except the square. 

Speaking at the gathering, Al-Sawagh said Al-Barrak should not be treated this way considering his health problems. He added, "Al-Barrak has sacrificed a lot to combat corruption and to fight for freedom of speech. We will not surrender and we will continue holding peaceful street demonstrations until Al-Barrak is released." 

While calling on all citizens to boycott the upcoming elections, Al-Sawagh also urged the people to participate in the demonstration scheduled for Nov 4. 

Meanwhile, Dahoum said, "We reject this form of provocation -- the deployment of a large number of security officers to disperse the participants in such a small demonstration." He holds the interior minister responsible for the act, asserting that Al-Barrak deserves this kind of support because he has devoted his life in serving the interest of the nation. 

On the other hand, Merdaz appealed to the security authorities to refrain from using force in dealing with the participants of peaceful demonstrations. He also prayed for peace and stability in the country.

Moreover, Al-Jadie said on Twitter that the number of Special Forces deployed at the Justice Palace would have been enough to stop the late Saddam Hussein from invading Kuwait in 1990. He added these forces would have denied the Iraqi forces entry into the country for at least two weeks.

© Arab Times 2012