Kuwaiti protests (2011–2012)

In the context of the Arab Spring came early February 2011 in Kuwait to demonstrations. It was the demonstrators primarily to preserve the Kuwaiti citizenship.

Causes

The Emirate of Kuwait is inhabited according to official figures of around two million people who do not hold Kuwaiti citizenship. This makes for a population of about 3.5 million about 57 % of the population. In some cases, the proportion of residents of Kuwait is estimated on 60 % without Kuwaiti citizenship. This large part of the Kuwaiti population can not benefit from the well-developed social security system and the free health care system of Kuwait, as this is only available to Kuwaiti nationals.

The populations in question,

In Kuwait the following population groups are equipped without citizenship: Bidun, stateless people of Arab origin. They often originate from the Bedouins, who were about in Kuwait before 1920 not able to log on and gain the rights of citizenship. The Bidun status is inherited and has significant social discrimination. Furthermore, Indians, Pakistanis, Iranians, different Southeast Asians and Arabs who have immigrated from other Arab states find. The most representative of these migrant groups have immigrated to Kuwait to work there. Many of them want to later return to their home countries. A brutal incision was the expulsion of Palestinians from Kuwait in 1991 after the Second Gulf War, when about 450,000 Palestinians living in Kuwait were almost completely expelled. After that significantly fewer foreigners were registered in Kuwait.

The contrast between sedentary Arabs and Bidun

Termed Bidun stateless Arabs are indistinguishable from the Bedouins. They are often treated as second-class citizens, although they are ethnically and linguistically Arabs. The 150000-180000 Bidun may not send their children to state schools, although a compulsory education in Kuwait, do not carry out jobs in government agencies and exhibit no property in her name. Unemployment is also very high due to the lack of education; by the lack of citizenship, they also have great problems in finding accommodation. In addition, they also do not have passports. Because of these reasons they are dependent on the contributions of Islamic charities.

The Bidun is said that they were lagging. It is unclear whether they are sedentary or not.

The contrast between Sunnis and Shiites and the predominance of family as- Sabah

The proportion of Kuwaitis who belong to the Shia, is about 35%. However, apparently they have no share in the government. There, the relevant Minister will be provided ( for defense, interior, foreign affairs, finance and oil) by members of the family as- Sabah, the Sunnis and the country dominate since 1756. This is possible because about 1,500 princes and princesses of the family to belong to.

There is a parliament in Kuwait, but for the formation of political parties lack a clear legal status.

Party

So far, the Bedouins of Kuwait are involved in the protests. Whether the other groups have also participated in the demonstrations or even participate or will organize their own protests is unclear.

As organizers of the demonstrations that took place in March, Ahmed al Chaeid and Hamid al- ʿ Ulayan can be mentioned. It is unclear whether the demonstration in connection with which the Bedouin is or whether it is another opposition group.

Course of events

In Dschahra it comes to demonstrations in which 30 demonstrators were injured and 50 people were arrested. The demonstrations, more than 1000 people have participated.

Thousands of demonstrators demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister Nasir al - Muhammad al -Ahmad al- Sabah, who is a nephew of the Emir Sabah al -Ahmad al - Jabir al- Sabah. The protesters also called for a change of thinking within Kuwait and the resignation of the current government. In addition, policy reforms are required.

After Friday prayers it comes again to demonstrations. Overall demonstrate some 200 Arabs who have no Kuwaiti citizenship. The police violently against them.

After months of protests by opponents of the government outside the parliament building several dozen protesters stormed the building and there voted the national anthem before they left the building again. Use forces used batons, there were five casualties.

The Government of Nasir al - Muhammad al -Ahmad al- Sabah al - Sabah Emir enough when Ahmad al - Jabir al- Sabah their resignations.

Reactions ( national) to the protests of the Bidun

After it was checked whether the demonstrators had violated Kuwaiti law, several of them were released. In this case, their approach has been heavily criticized since it would not help them.