(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN protests the one-year prison sentence handed down to writer, journalist and researcher Yasser al-Habib. On 20 January 2004, he was reportedly convicted of “questioning the conduct and integrity of some of the ‘companions’ of the prophet Muhammad” in a lecture he had delivered. According to the WiPC’s information, […]
(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN protests the one-year prison sentence handed down to writer, journalist and researcher Yasser al-Habib. On 20 January 2004, he was reportedly convicted of “questioning the conduct and integrity of some of the ‘companions’ of the prophet Muhammad” in a lecture he had delivered.
According to the WiPC’s information, al-Habib, who has worked for several Arabic-language newspapers, including the monthly “al-Menbar” (“The Pulpit”), was abducted on a Kuwait City street on the afternoon of 30 November 2003 by unknown individuals and taken away in an unmarked vehicle. His family was not informed that he had been detained by security forces until the following day.
Al-Habib was reportedly arrested in connection with an audio cassette recording of a lecture he gave to an audience of 10 to 20 people in a closed environment on Islamic historical issues. His research is believed to have relied heavily on Wahhabi references and texts, and is said to have angered hardline Wahhabi groups who have used their influence within the establishment to bring about the maximum punishment against al-Habib.
Al-Habib is thought to be appealing his sentence. It is hoped that this case may also be considered for an amnesty on 25 February, Kuwaiti National Day, when the emir, Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmed al-Sabah, declares clemency for some prisoners.
Al-Habib, aged about 30, is said to suffer from asthma and stomach problems, and to be in frail health. He has reportedly been subject to several orchestrated violent attacks in prison by Wahhabi inmates.
