I can understand Amnesty’s concern in this regard as freedom of expression can be threatened, bearing in mind that the withdrawal of the citizenship extends to the whole family including their wives and children. To the public, this decision seems cruel, unjustified and of course a punishment. But this is naive and lacks a proper understanding of the system of citizenship, how is it implemented and its various articles.
Kuwaiti citizenship law is one the most complicated in the world. It has eight categorizes for citizenship. All are Kuwaitis, but do not enjoy the same benefits. Citizenship is gained in two ways – the right of blood or the right of territory. Gaining citizenship in the first category entitles its holder to run for election. Withdrawing citizenship from this category is not possible unless they take foreign citizenship. The only case we have witnessed so far was against alleged Al-Qaeda spokesman Sulaiman Abu Ghaith who took an Asian passport and Kuwaiti government withdrew his Kuwaiti citizenship. Was this a punishment? I don’t think he cares even if it was.
Another way for those who were not born to a Kuwaiti father or their families were not in Kuwait before 1920 can submit a request to the Interior Minister to be granted the Kuwaiti citizenship, and the application can be accepted or rejected. It can also be given a gift by the state to individuals for special services, and they have all the rights except to stand for elections.
Some former MPs managed to commit forgery to change and switch their category from the seventh category to the first in order to be able to run for election. So in the government’s eye, those people committed a crime? Let’s call this act a correction of a mistake. Those who helped them to commit this crime are partners and should be sent to court too. But I doubt the issue will go far. The citizenship file in Kuwait is a sensitive one and involves many names that want to be kept in the twilight zone.
The withdrawal of citizenship was like hitting two birds with one stone. If it was a plan, it has gone well so far. I doubt it will go further to more people. Nevertheless, the government should review all laws relating to nationality in order to ensure consistency with international standards and to ensure that freedom of expression is not touched or used as a weapon.
