Security services block anti-government protest
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Security forces blocked hundreds of protesters from staging a rally outside the parliament building as Kuwait's emir denounced anti-government factions for threatening to “tear apart” the nation.
The hardline stance underscored the potential for Kuwait's tensions to escalate into more serious clashes and further polarise the Gulf state between backers of the ruling establishment and groups claiming it overstepped its powers.
In a speech to inaugurate the new parliament – almost completely pro-government after the opposition boycott – Kuwait's emir sharply criticised opposition groups for their aggressive election boycott campaign in which they labelled voters as traitors. "Saying that fellow citizens have committed treason only because they have a different opinion is not acceptable," said the emir, Sheik Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah. "We will not tolerate attempts from anyone to tear apart the unity of the nation."
On Saturday, more than 1,000 protesters held an overnight occupation of streets in a Kuwait City commercial district.
One of the main protest leaders, Mussallam al-Barrack, urged supporters not back down until the emir disbands the "parliament of puppets" and sets new elections.
AP
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments