A Kuwait City appeal court on Monday overturned Kuwaiti writer and journalist Mohamed Abdel Qader Al-Jassem’s conviction on a charge of defaming Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Sabah, according to Reporters sans Frontières (RSF).
Monday's ruling overturned Al-Jassem’s conviction on April 1 for criticising government policy and calling for the prime minister’s resignation.
Convicted in other case of defamation and “attacking the interests of the emir and national interests,” Al-Jassem was released on bail on June 28 pending the outcome of his latest appeal after being held for 49 days. His latest appeal is due to be heard on September 20.
“The ruling quashing Al-Jassem’s conviction is an important step for free expression in Kuwait,” Paris-based RSF said. “We now call for all other charges against him to be withdrawn and the lifting of the reporting ban on the other case currently pending against him.”
