The closure of Al-Dar Newspaper

It has been our pledge to engage with the political system in Kuwait to ensure that rights, freedom, democracy are upheld. Preserving freedom of expression and freedom of the press, as outlined in Articles 36 and 37 of the Kuwaiti Constitution, is important to all Kuwaitis and indispensable for ensuring free debate and government accountability.

The Freedom ofexpression, regardless of opinion, is one of the fundamental human rights guaranteed by the constitutions of free and democratic countries. Given Kuwait’s commitment to democracy and a free press, the Ministry of Information’s decision to close the Al-Dar newspaper, is surprising. The paper reflects the opinion of a large segment of the people of Kuwait.

This decision might damage national unity among Kuwaitis. There is also concern that it may not stop with the closing of the newspaper, but may result in the suppression of individual speech as well. Such actions would alarm international organizations sponsoring the issue of free media and human rights.