Kuwaiti has arrested a writer and media personality after a video of her speaking to Israelis and referring to them as “our cousins” circulated online.
Following an investigation into alleged advocacy for establishing ties with Israel and claims of “undermining state interests,” the Public Prosecutor’s Office last week ordered that Kuwaiti journalist Fajer al-Saeed be detained for 21 days in Kuwait’s central prison.
حبس #فجر_السعيد 21 يوماً وإحالتها للسجن المركزي في قضية الدعوة للتطبيع مع الاحتلال الإسرائيلي.الفيديو: فجر السعيد تتفاخر باستقبالها للإسرائيليين وترحب بهم وتطلق عليهم لقب "عيال عمنا". pic.twitter.com/g8RTXO79pC
— نحو الحرية (@hureyaksa) January 9, 2025
The case stems from charges brought by the Interior Ministry, which alleges Saeed had violated the 1964 Israel Boycott Law and acted against national interests, Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Qabas reported. The law specifically prohibits any interaction with or promotion of relations with Israel.
The video in question showed her speaking to two Israelis outside her home in Georgia, welcoming them home, and referring to them as “our cousins.”
Saeed has been a vocal supporter of peace with Israel for several years – at least since 2018 – and spoke several times in the past with Israeli news outlets.
In June 2023, she was denied entry to Lebanon, a measure seen by some as resulting from her support for normalization. Others believed it had to do with her staunch opposition to and criticism of Hezbollah.
Some media outlets initially claimed that the arrest was made following critical comments she made about the Iraqi leadership, which may also constitute a criminal act in Kuwait. Those claims were soon debunked by local media.
Controversial posts
Over the past few years, many of Saeed’s social-media posts have sparked controversy, with some critics interpreting her statements as explicitly supporting diplomatic relations with Israel, which violates Kuwaiti law.A judge is expected to review Saeed’s case and determine whether to extend her detention pending a trial or grant her release.
This is not the first time that Kuwait has infringed on the freedoms of its citizens. Last May, Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Sabah dissolved the National Assembly and suspended certain provisions of the Constitution for a period of four years.
This measure was taken roughly one month after the last round of elections in April, which were deemed “unsatisfying.”
“I will not allow anyone to exploit democracy to destroy the state,” the emir quoted as saying,Following these events, arrests were carried out in the country against activists for reportedly criticizing the decision, including former member of parliament Waleed al-Tabtabaie, who pledged to “defend the freedoms of the people, its rights, and its constitutional acquisitions.”