Musallem Al-Barrack

KUWAIT: Powerful opposition leader and ex MP Musallem Al-Barrack is scheduled to be released from prison today, following Friday prayers. Al-Barrack served two years in jail for comments deemed insulting and undermining the status of His Highness Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.  Unconfirmed reports suggest that his supporters would greet Al-Barrack's release with a rally march from the Central Prison to Al-Andalus. The Interior Ministry issued no statement in regard to the ex-lawmaker's release and when asked, did not confirm nor deny any plans for the release.

But the US Embassy in Kuwait yesterday warned American citizens of possible "localized demonstrations" in Al-Andalous area, where Al-Barrack's home and headquarters are located. "Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence," the US notice advised, warning its citizens to "avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations."

The fiery leader of the Popular Action Bloc served six consecutive terms in the Kuwait parliament (1999, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2012) before his imprisonment. He remains a well-known and popular opposition figure. In the February 2012 polls, he made Kuwait history by receiving 30,118 votes, the highest figure ever for a parliamentary candidate.

By Jamie Etheridge