Islamabad, In the wake of heightened sensitivity towards issues affecting the global Muslim community, an Indian nurse working in Kuwait has come under scrutiny. This follows her apparent endorsement of Israeli operations that resulted in Palestinian children’s deaths and the bombing of the Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza. Additionally, she displayed the flag of Israel on her social media channels. This incident follows closely on the heels of an Indian doctor’s arrest in Bahrain over similar concerns.
According to a news release by Kashmir Media Service, Kuwait-based lawyer Ali Habab Al-Duwaikh lodged a complaint with the Public Prosecution against the Indian nurse employed at Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital. The grievance outlined that the nurse’s actions run afoul of Kuwait’s laws and the royal decree, which acknowledges a state of conflict between Kuwait and Israel.
This incident comes soon after Dr. Sunil Rao, a senior Indian doctor stationed in Bahrain, faced arrest and subsequent removal from the Royal Hospital for sharing views on social media that were perceived as “anti-Palestine”. The Anti-Cyber Crimes Directorate of Bahrain’s General Directorate of Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security apprehended Dr. Rao, citing his potential to undermine societal security and peace.
In the formal complaint against the nurse in Kuwait, Al-Duwaikh underscored Kuwait’s unwavering commitment and solidarity with Palestine, especially in light of the devastating airstrike on the Al Ahli Hospital. The Health Minister of Kuwait had even mobilized doctors and nurses to voice their opposition against Israel. The lawyer highlighted, as reported by Kuwait’s Arab Times, that “A nurse at Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital audaciously showcased the flag of Israel in her WhatsApp status, seemingly validating the grievous event that transpired.”
In his detailed appeal to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, Al-Duwaikh sought legal measures against the nurse, emphasizing that her display signified support for Israel. He further noted that such actions are in direct contravention of Kuwait’s State Security Law, specifically referencing Article Seven which proscribes and criminalizes these behaviors. Based on the report from the daily, these violations could carry penalties ranging from a minimum of five years to life imprisonment.
Concluding his statement, Al-Duwaikh beckoned Muslims in Kuwait and the wider Islamic world to confront and challenge Israel and its proponents, while adhering to both local and international legal frameworks. He posited that even if overt cross-border confrontations aren’t achievable, internal initiatives can still exert substantial influence over Israel.