Sickening

*image courtesy of Al-Jareeda

By now I'm sure most of you have heard the outrageous news. For those of you who haven't, Bashar Al-Sayegh of Alommah.org and Jassim Al-Qames of Al-Jareeda (both also bloggers) were forcefully detained by State Security Police at 8pm Saturday evening in front of the Al-Jareeda headquarters. The incident linked to this detainment revolves around an inappropriate comment made by an anonymous poster about the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, on Al-Sayegh's site. Although the comment was deleted by Al-Sayegh, State Security Police continue to hold him responsible.

Al-Qames was released yesterday afternoon, and a meeting was held at Ta7aluf regarding the situation later that evening. Unfortunately, I was unable to make it due to work, but I was able to speak to a few people who did manage to attend. Al-Sayegh has yet to be released. No further news on him is available.

Prior to Al-Qames' release, he was demanded to sign over some documents using his fingerprint, as he was still blindfolded and unable to read what he was signing.

Such a terrible, heartbreaking day for Kuwait's history. What happened is absolutely despicable. Two men were detained -- nay, abducted -- by four men (from my understanding) dressed in civilian clothing, driving a civilian car and without any form of ID or warrant. They were beaten, abused both physically and psychologically, and all for something they were not responsible for whatsoever.

What's happening to this country? How ridiculously out of control has all of this gotten? I'm sick to death of repeating the same, sorry line of "for every two steps we take forward, we take ten back." Not even! For every accomplishment we may think we have on our hands, a scenario so vile and unnerving springs along and destroys any expectations, hopes and perhaps chances of this country ever prospering into its full potential.

Kuwait's State Security Police need to be reminded of their duties: to serve and protect our country; to serve and protect US.

Torture? Unlawful detainment? Physical and mental abuse? My blood boils at the thought of these two patriotic men at the hands of our so-called protectors. This is not what Kuwait is about. This is not what our Constitution is about.

The Kuwaiti Constitution reads:

ARTICLE 30: Personal liberty is guaranteed.

ARTICLE 31: No person shall be arrested, detained, searched or compelled to reside in a specified place, nor shall the residence of any person or his liberty to choose his place of residence or his liberty of movement be restricted, expect in accordance with the provisions of the law.

ARTICLE 34: The infliction of physical or moral injury on an accused person is prohibited.

What's happening here is unacceptable. What happened to basic human rights? This is not just about Bashar Al-Sayegh and Jassim Al-Qames; this is about us, the Kuwaiti people. This is about our country and our desire to see it grow and prosper and evolve. This is about personal freedoms. To think Kuwait is turning into a police state sends chills down my spine.

And yet, despite all that is happening; despite the disgusting, blatant lack of respect for human rights, I remain hopeful. They can't keep us quiet and they won't. We'll be loud; we'll be adamant; we'll be there. A rally has been organized for later today, details can be found here.

Ladies and gentlemen, do your part. Do what you have to do. It's imperative that our message is heard: what happened Saturday to Bashar Al-Sayegh and Jassim Al-Qames is unacceptable and absolutely will not be tolerated. This is where it ends.

N.
"First they came for the terrorists, but I wasn't a terrorist so I stayed silent and went about my business. Then they came for those suspected of terrorism, but I certainly wasn't a suspect so I stayed silent and went about my business. Then they came for those who defended those who were suspected of terrorism, but I wasn't defending such people, so I stayed silent and went about my business. Then, one day, they came and began to suspect me, so I stayed very, very silent and went about my business. And that is how I lost my soul."