The Kuwaiti public prosecutor’s office announced on Friday that it had decided to detain 13 defendants before trial on charges of broadcasting malicious news, data and rumors through information technology means.
“We have opened an investigation against 13 defendants in separate cases of broadcasting malicious news, statements and rumors through information technology means, including the broadcasting of content that incites sectarian tensions, incites acts of violence, undermines national unity, undermines social cohesion and causes division among members,” prosecutors said in a statement.
He added that the contents contained “anything that threatens national security, threatens national unity, disrupts public order, causes panic among the population, and damages the defense preparedness of the armed forces, given the exceptional situation the country is experiencing.”
The prosecutor’s office stated that the investigation was carried out under the direct supervision of the prosecutor’s counselor. “The prosecutor’s counselor ordered the formation of multiple investigation teams, immediately interrogated the defendant and completed the investigation procedures, and it was decided that the defendant would be held in pre-trial detention in the presence of the case in preparation for referral to a criminal trial.”
In this regard, the Prosecutor’s Office asserted that “protecting the unity of the state and maintaining public calm and tranquility are among the fundamental objectives that the law guarantees and strives to maintain, and it is in this context that the law exercises its powers in a manner that ensures the implementation of the provisions of the law, the maintenance of public order, and the maintenance of community safety and stability.”
“At this critical stage, which requires the highest level of consciousness, solidarity, and unity of the country, its leadership, and its institutions, we call on all citizens and residents to feel the weight of national responsibility, and to exercise the utmost responsibility and discipline when using information technology means and digital platforms, and not to be misled by rumors, misleading news, and content that can cause panic, weaken national integrity, and undermine the defense preparedness of armed groups,” prosecutors said in a statement. force. ”
