KUWAIT CITY // Kuwait plunged into political turmoil yesterday 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 arrested about midnight, Mohammad Al Jumaih, the defence lawyer said.
The prosecutor also extended the detention for three more days of four opposition activists arrested on Monday during clashes between police and protesters following a large rally.
The move came as hundreds of supporters of the Islamist and nationalist-led opposition and former parliamentarians gathered outside the Palace of Justice in the capital in solidarity with the ex-MPs and activists.
Breaking decades-old taboos, speakers directly addressed the emir, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, warning him that any amendment to the electoral law could lead to street protests and chaos.
They also warned Kuwait was becoming an autocratic state, and insisted they would oppose that.
The emirate embraced parliamentary democracy half a century ago, but it is illegal under the constitution to criticise the emir who enjoys extensive authority and must be from the Al Sabah ruling family, in power for over 250 years.
Kuwait has been in a virtual limbo since June 20 when the top court annulled an opposition-dominated parliament.
The historic court verdict also reinstated the pro-government parliament elected in 2009 after it was dissolved in December following street protests and corruption allegations.
The house however was dissolved again two weeks ago but the government has so far failed to set a date for the next elections amid allegations it is planning to change the electoral law to manipulate the polls results.
* Agence France-Presse
