The amnesty was announced on November 7
The amir’s order granting amnesty to those involved in political cases came into effect on November 7 with the publication of the official gazette. The 67 who were granted amnesty include former opposition MPs convicted in the 2011 parliamentary attack case. Those involved in the case, including former opposition MP Musallam al-Barrak, had fled to countries such as Turkey and Britain before being arrested. It is reported that they will return to the country in the next few days.
The amnesty should be availed within a month
The amnesty will be allowed to take effect one month after the gazette notification. By the end of this month, many former MPs, including those living abroad, will return to the country. Their return will begin on Monday, the Alroy daily reported, citing senior sources. The amnesty was granted following a national debate by the Supreme Court on the recommendation of the Emir of Kuwait as part of efforts to improve relations between parliament and the government, which have been at loggerheads for years.
Many will be released from prison
Opposition MPs in the debate mainly demanded amnesty in political cases and freedom of expression. With the introduction of the amnesty, prisoners in various political cases will be released from prisons or given parole. The accused in the Abdali cell case will also be released as part of the amnesty.
Cabinet resigns; Will be reorganizing soon
The Kuwaiti cabinet resigned last week after the emir announced a general amnesty to end political uncertainty and stalemate in the country. This was in order to reorganize the cabinet by removing the ministers who were disliked by the parliament and including more members of parliament. The cabinet resigned as part of a national debate to improve relations between the government and parliament. Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khalid al-Hamad al-Sabah has tendered his resignation to the Emir of Kuwait following an extraordinary cabinet meeting last Monday.
Ministers who are unpopular with the opposition will be replaced
The new cabinet will be headed by current Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khalid al – Hamad al – Sabah. More than half of the current ministers are likely to be in the new cabinet. This is the second cabinet reshuffle in a year. The cabinet resigned in January 2021 and was re-elected on March 2 under the new Prime Minister. The resignation follows a series of indictments against the ministers. But even after that, the government’s relationship with parliament was not good. The parliamentary session was adjourned several times following the boycott of the ministers. It was then that a national debate was initiated on the recommendation of the Emir to reach a consensus between the two factions and a decision was taken to release the political prisoners.
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