Kuwait has been on edge since the emir ordered changes to the election law in a move condemned by the opposition as an attempt to undermine their chances in the vote. The opposition will boycott the poll and has called for protests.
On Sunday, security forces used teargas, stun grenades and smoke bombs against thousands of demonstrators as they began marching in downtown Kuwait City to protest against the changes. At least 29 people were hurt and more than 15, including a former member of parliament, were arrested.
“Citizens are not allowed to hold a gathering of more than 20 individuals on roads or at public locations without obtaining a permit from the concerned governor,” the cabinet said in a statement carried by local newspapers.
“Police are entitled to prevent or disperse any unlicensed grouping.”
A court yesterday released on bail three former opposition MPs, on trial for criticising the emir, and four activists arrested last week following clashes with police, lawyers said.
The three ex-MPs were arrested on Thursday after making remarks at a public gathering on October 10 deemed offensive to the emir.
The politicians—Falah al-Sawwagh, Khaled al-Tahus and Bader al-Dahum—were released by the criminal court on a bail of $ 17,850 each after the first hearing, defence lawyer Mohamed al-Jumaie said on his Twitter account.
They were charged with undermining the status of the emir after they addressed him at the gathering, warning that any amendment to the election law could lead to street protests and chaos.
All three former MPs strongly denied the charges saying they spoke within the limits of the law.
Local media reported that authorities planned to summon several former MPs for questioning on similar charges.
The court set the next hearing for November 13.
