MP Mohammad Hayef

KUWAIT: Islamist opposition MP Mohammad Hayef yesterday called on the interior minister to issue a statement as soon as possible about the reported escape of 14 members of the so-called pro-Iran "Abdaly cell". News reports said on Sunday said 14 of the 26 members of the cell fled Kuwait hours after the court of cassation overturned their acquittals and sentenced them to various jail terms. The men reportedly fled to Iran by sea and are believed to be living in the Islamic republic. The government has remained silent over the reports.

Hayef said that it is unacceptable that the Kuwaiti people do not know the whereabouts of 14 convicts of the cell, which was convicted of plotting attacks in the country. "The ministry of interior must clarify whether the men are in Kuwait serving their jail terms or are outside the country," he demanded. Hayef called for quickly apprehending the 14 convicts and those who are hiding them or who helped them flee the country, and claimed that authorities are not dealing with this cell like they dealt with other ones.

Members of the cell, consisting of 25 Kuwaitis and one Iranian, have been convicted of hiding large quantities of arms and ammunition including explosives, having links with Iran and Lebanese Hezbollah and plotting attacks in Kuwait. The main suspect was sentenced to life, while 20 others were sentenced to between two and 15 years in jail.

Two were acquitted and three others, including the Iranian, remain at large. Hayef said that he remained silent for a long time until the final verdicts were issued, and now after the ruling was passed, the ministry must inform people about the measures it has taken or plans to take against the members, especially those who have allegedly fled the country.

By B Izzak, Staff Columnist