Kuwait- Citizens hold rally to condemn Tweeter's 'attack' on Prophet 

(MENAFN - Arab Times) A large number of citizens participated in a public rally at the Erada Square Wednesday to condemn an unidentified man arrested Tuesday for allegedly attacking the Holy Prophet (PBUH), his wife and companions (May Allah be pleased with them) on Twitter.

Several lawmakers, including MP Jamaan Al-Harbash, attended the rally, which was held under the slogan "Except the Prophet (PBUH)".

Speaking on behalf of the parliamentary majority, Al-Harbash announced their plan to prioritize the submission of a draft bill on the amendment of the Penal Code to push for the execution of the suspect.
He disclosed a total of 36 lawmakers have so far expressed their support for the proposal, which stipulates life imprisonment or death penalty as punishment for anyone proven to have insulted the Prophet (PBUH), his wives and companions (May Allah be pleased with them).

On the other hand, around 24 MPs submitted a request to allot two hours of Thursday's legislative session for deliberations on the case.

Meanwhile in a press statement Wednesday, the Interior Ministry revealed a team of investigation officers has started questioning the suspect to gather enough proof before referring him to the judiciary for trial.
The ministry has also expressed resentment over some people's misusage of social networking sites like Twitter to defy religious norms and the principles of Islam. The ministry warned it will not tolerate anyone who attacks religions and other people; hence, the need to take the necessary legal action against those proven to be engaged in such acts.

People from all walks of life condemned the suspect immediately after hearing news on his arrest.

Execution
Politicians, members of civil society and student groups, public personalities and ordinary citizens have demanded for his execution and branded him an atheist.

They also called for the cancellation of his citizenship, while stressing the need to enact a law on criminalizing the act of uttering offensive statements against the Holy Prophet (PBUH), his family, his companions and the Mother of Faith (May Allah be pleased with them), because this is a way to instigate sectarian conflicts.

They argued this criminal act should not go unpunished as it undermines national unity and spreads hatred among the people.

Commenting on the issue, Chairperson of the Kuwait Ideal Mother Society Sheikha Fareeha Al-Ahmad condemned the statements posted on various social networking sites against the Holy Prophet (PBUH), his wife and his companions (May Allah be pleased with them).

She asserted the concerned authorities must not ignore this act, since it is aimed at weakening national unity and promoting hatred between the followers of different doctrines.

She said the Constitution guarantees the freedom of expression of the people but no one has the right to humiliate any religion or person.

Kuwait Municipal Council member Mane Al-Ajmi has urged the Interior Ministry to investigate the issue thoroughly, indicating the judicial authority must order the execution of the suspect to ensure that justice is served.

Another council member, Abdullah Fahad, emphasized the need to impose the harshest punishment on the suspect, who shamelessly abused the Holy Prophet (PBUH), his wife and companions (May Allah be pleased with them).

He called for the cancellation of the suspect's citizenship before his execution, adding that a nation which does not respect and defend its Prophet (PBUH) does not deserve to live.

Islamic preacher Dr Makheet Al-Azmi has asked the government to handle the case with an iron fist to deter others who might be contemplating a similar act to destabilize national security and insult the beliefs of Muslims.

He contended the suspect is considered an atheist, especially since he has admitted the crime, according to the fatwa issued by Chairman of the GCC Sharia Scholars Union Dr Ojail Al-Nashmi. He said the suspect must repent; otherwise, he will be executed based on a court ruling.