Kuwait’s State Security Appeals Court has upheld an eight-year prison sentence against former MP Mohammed Al-Mutair in a case involving allegations of insulting the Emir and spreading false news.
The appeals court confirmed an earlier ruling issued by the trial court. Al-Mutair was sentenced to three years in prison for allegedly spreading false news, making misleading statements and publishing confidential documents.
He received a further five-year sentence for allegedly publicly challenging the powers of the Emir and insulting the judiciary, bringing the total prison term to eight years.
The court had reportedly given the defendant several opportunities to appear before it in connection with the case, but he did not attend the hearings. The appeals court subsequently issued its final ruling.
The case relates to remarks considered defamatory toward the Emir and alleged violations targeting official state institutions. Kuwaiti authorities have continued to take a strict approach toward offenses involving the country’s leadership, judiciary and official institutions.
With the appeals court upholding the original sentence, the judicial proceedings in the case have been completed, according to reports.
