Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Kuwait Confirms Spy Cell, No Accusation towards Iran | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Kuwait City, Asharq Al-Awsat- Kuwait confirmed officially on Monday that it detained several people in a security probe, a government spokesman said on Monday, after media reports that a number of Kuwaitis and foreigners were being held on suspicion of spying for Iran. However, the official spokesman for the Kuwaiti government, Mohammed al Busairi, did not accuse Iran of having links to the spy cell.

Al Busairi told journalists on Monday, “Investigations are being carried out by different security apparatus. These investigations are not new as they have been going on for a while and they are yet to be completed. As soon as they are completed the suspects will be referred to prosecution.” The official confirmation did not discuss any accusations of Iran having links to the cell. The official statement was made one day after there were official indications of a spy cell. The media was reproached as it published details of the case based on its own sources without waiting for official statements.

Official sources cited to Asharq Al-Awsat parts of what they described as ministerial communication on the parliamentary level that aimed to clarify events to public opinion without harming Kuwaiti-Iranian relations, especially as the investigation is still pending, and any attempts to cause friction between the two countries would not be beneficial.

Government spokesman al Busairi, who is also the Communications Minister, expressed hope that the media would show accuracy in publishing information related to state security and called on the media to rely on official sources. “We regret the way the media has dealt with this sensitive issue which is related to state security both internally and externally and we would like the media to deal with it with sensitivity and appreciation,” he said. “We cannot go into details … on such national security issues because that would undoubtedly negatively affect investigations.”

Al Busairi said, “There are suspects and they are under investigation, and as soon as they are completed and the case has been built and there are direct and clear charges, they will be transferred to the prosecution. Justice cannot take its course if the appropriate circumstances are not provided.”