Kuwait – Appeal court jailed alleged “Fintas Group” members: former head of State Security Department Sheikh Athbi al-Fahd al-Sabah including other convicts.

On May 30, the convicts were sentenced to five years imprisonment, a first degree sentence.

Among the convicts: former editor of al-Watan newspaper Khalifah al-Ali and Ahmad al-Daud were sentenced to five years of prison with hard labor. The Criminal Court also sentenced the prime suspect in the so-called Fintas Group, Hamad al-Haroon to 10 years in jail with hard labor. While lawyers Falah al-Ajraf, Abdul- Mohsen al-Ateeqi, and journalist Saud Al-Asfour were sent for one year

Court decided to resume their trial on July 20 while the suspects were taken to jail. Judge of appeal sent Sheikhs Ahmad al-Daud and Athbi al-Fahd al-Sabah to prison of Palace of Justice.

The charges came to light after the phone of Mohsen al-Ateeqi was confiscated as he was questioned regarding his participation in a demonstration. The phone contained WhatsApp group chat that had controversial posts. Members of the group included lawyers and members of parliaments.

The messages between them show what could be seen as an attempt to overthrow the regime in Kuwait and insult prominent figures of the regime.

The suspects were then released on various bail terms that reached ten thousands dinar.
The charges included: spreading false news and rumors by faking and publishing a video clip on social media, insulting the judicial system and members of the royal family, and misusing a phone.