Kuwaiti Prime Minister Grants Forgiveness to Critics

KUWAIT CITY, February 13, 2011 - His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmed
Al-Sabah (www.pm.gov.kw/index.asp) withdrew charges against three
political opponents who criticized him. The opponents are writer and
journalist Mohammed Al-Jassem, activist Khaled Al-Fadhalah, and columnist
Mohammed Al-Washeehi.

"The premier has asked me to withdraw all cases he filed against
Fadhalah, Jassem and Washeehi, and to pardon them," lawyer Emad al-Saif said
in a statement.

Saif said Sheikh Nasser's move was in honor of three national
commemorations that are occurring in February. Kuwait is celebrating the
golden jubilee of its independence from Britain, the 20th anniversary of its
liberation from Iraqi occupation, and the fifth anniversary of the Amir's
accession to the throne.

In Parliament, a number of members thanked Prime Minister Nasser for
being magnanimous and for his attempt to soothe the political tension between
opposition members and the government.

This has been issued by Al Madar. For more information, visit
www.almadar-kw.com/

Hani Megahed, +965-2266-6008