Kuwait’s foreign minister rejected US State Department comments about the case of a blogger on trial for allegedly insulting the country’s ruler, a local newspaper reported yesterday.
Daily Al-Anbaa quoted Sheikh Mohammad al-Salem al-Sabah as saying concerns expressed earlier this month amounted to interfering in Kuwait’s internal affairs.
Blogger and journalist Mohammad Abdul-Kader al-Jassem faces up to 18 years in prison if convicted, his lawyers said. He was detained on May 11 after a complaint against him was issued by the office of the Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah.
“I cannot comment on a case being heard in court, but I can say we don’t accept any interference in our internal affairs at all. Kuwait is a sovereign state with its own systems and authorities,” the foreign minister said.
Jassem is also accused of spreading false news that could harm Kuwait’s national interests. He and his family say they are politically motivated.
On June 3, US State Department spokesman P.J. Corwley said Washington has raised concerns about the case with Kuwait.
“The ability of citizens and journalists of any country to freely and vigorously discuss, debate and critique the actions of governments does not threaten national interests,” he said.
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