Mona Kareem: Statement: 20 Kuwaiti detainees announce hunger-strike

I received this statement from Dalal Al-Fadala, sister of detained activist Rashed Al-Fidala. Those detained lately were taken for storming the parliament in protest against the Prime minster of Kuwait. Many of them turned themselves voluntarily in solidarity with their fellow detainees. A sit-in has been goingon for three days now in front of the country's main court (Justice Palace) demanding the departure of the prime minister and the freedom of the detainees. In this statement, 20 out of the 35 detainees announced their hunger-strike which started on the 25th of November. Read the statement:

20 Kuwaiti youth detainees have started a hunger strike in objection to fixed and senseless accusations, inhumane living conditions, lack of medical care, and cruel and unlawful imprisonment. The 20 detainees have managed to leak out a signed letter to the media explaining the situation they are facing in trial and jail. They have been arrested two days ago, and while interrogations were over no decision has been made to their fate. Following is a translated version of the letter that was originally written in Arabic.

A Letter From Kuwait’s Youth Detainees

In the Name of Allah who said: “Indeed, they were youths who Believed in their Lord, and We increased them inguidance.” – Surat Al--‐Kahf [18:13].

With deep regret and sorrow of the situation of our home Kuwait, honorable youth defending the Constitution have been arrested. While others are left to tamper, rob, and bribe the country of its public money and seek higher positions causing the highest level of corruption. Hence, we would like to reveal to the people of Kuwait the truth of what’s happening while we are being held for interrogation.

First: Fixed and false accusations have been charged against all, reaching up to 13 charges to some detainees that could carry a total of lifetime sentences.

Second: 14 different detainees have been accused of stealing the same parliamentary gavel belonging to National Assembly Speaker Jassem Al--‐Kharafi.

Third: We are currently being held in prison cells that lack the most basic human requirements.

Fourth: One of the detainees needing immediate medical attention was transferred to Mubarak Hospital cuffed by hands and feet, as a provocative act by officials.

Fifth: Our attempts in trying to contact family members has been denied keeping us cut

Off from any news about them and their situation.

Finally, since the interrogation has already been completed by public prosecutors, and since we are accused and not convicted, and since we are Kuwaiti citizens having no reason to flee, and since we willingly and voluntarily turned ourselves in, we declare that its unlawful and cruel to deny us bail, therefore we announce the start of a hunger strike.

Our fate is with Allah.

Signatories: