France Press

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s parliament ruled Tuesday that nine lawmakers could face prosecution for storming the assembly last year during protests against the former prime minister.
 
In a series of events that led to the dissolution of parliament and the government’s resignation, protesters and opposition deputies forced their way into the debating chamber in November as hundreds demonstrated outside.
 
In a rowdy session Tuesday, parliament voted to lift the immunity of the MPs – Islamist, opposition and centrist figures – at the request of the prosecution service. Their cases can now be referred to court.
 
At least 45 people were arrested last year over the storming of parliament, described by Kuwait’s ruler as a “black day.” The emir appoints the prime minister, who in turn picks a Cabinet.
 
While Kuwait has one of the most democratic political systems in the region, political parties are banned and opposition politicians must form blocs in parliament.
 
Kuwait’s oil wealth and freer political system have helped shield it from Arab Spring-style protests but the political instability and slow pace of economic reform have helped scare off foreign investment.
 
A snap election in February ushered in Kuwait’s fourth parliament in six years with Islamists making significant gains. A series of attempts to question senior government ministers has highlighted deep divisions in the new legislature. Tuesday’s ruling is likely to increase the tension.
 
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser al-Mohammad al-Sabah was forced to resign and a Kuwaiti court is investigating allegations of illicit financial transfers abroad linked to him and a nephew of the emir. Sheikh Nasser has denied any wrongdoing.