Kuwait voices reservations over EP's death penalty decision

Kuwait Ambassador to Belgium Jassem Al-Budaiwi Friday expressed reservations over the European Parliament's (EP) criticism of execution of murderers in Kuwait.

"Integrity and transparency" are characters of Kuwait's judiciary, and all defendants are provided with defense attornies as guaranteed by Kuwaiti laws, Al-Budaiwi said in a statement to KUNA, reacting to EP's yesterday's decision which criticized the death penalties.

Al-Budaiwi said he understood the motives behind the EP's decision, but urged the European lawmakers to also understand the principles of Kuwait Criminal Law, which did not contradict with Kuwait's obligations vis-a-vis the international community.

The EP also mentioned alleged human rights issues in Kuwait, and Al-Budaiwi said the decision was based on "inaccurate reports published by private organizations and media institutions."

The EP, he added, did not seek official authorities for information "which does not reflect the bright image of the State of Kuwait in terms of human rights, an image that is internationally appreciated."

Kuwait's Mission to the European Union immediately contacted a number of EP members to explain the measures adopted that led to the execution through the legal steps in Kuwait law, he said.

"All judicial and government institutions in Kuwait are operating in a transparent manner, and the human rights wathdogs in the State of Kuwait have full access to information and sources they need," he said.

Al-Budaiwi played down impacts of EP's non-binding decision on the European-Kuwait ties, which he described as "historic and distinguished." Kuwait foreign ministry had recently affirmed that seven persons were executed for committing murders, and the death penalty's verdicts were based on criminal law.

Source: KUNA