Kuwait on October 19 plunged into political turmoil after the public prosecution ordered the detention of three former opposition MPs for three days with more arrests expected. The three – Falah Al-Sawwagh, Bader Al-Dahum and Khaled Al-Tahus – were questioned for nine hours on accusations of undermining the status of Kuwait’s ruler before being taken into custody around midnight, defence lawyer Mohammad Al-Jumaih said. The prosecutor also extended the detention for three more days of four opposition activists arrested during clashes between police and protesters following a huge rally.
The move came as hundreds of supporters of the opposition and former lawmakers gathered outside the Palace of Justice in the capital, Kuwait City, in solidarity with the ex-MPs and activists. Local media and activists said more arrest orders would be issued soon against several former lawmakers including outspoken opposition leader Mussallam Al-Barrak on the same accusations.