http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=NTg5NzAxMjI4

Media blackout of 'spy cell' ordered
Published Date: May 06, 2010 
By B Izzak and A Saleh, Staff Writer 


KUWAIT: Public Attorney Hamed Al-Othman yesterday issued a decision banning the 
publication of any news regarding the busting of a spy network allegedly 
working for Iran's Revolutionary Guards as accusations and counter-accusations 
continued among MPs. The decision came as the public prosecution yesterday 
interrogated two members of the alleged cell who are bedoons, or stateless 
Arabs. Sources said the two denied having any links to the cell or to the 
Revolutionary Guards.

The public prosecution is expected to start interrogating seven other suspects 
who are currently under interrogation in the state security department. 
Authorities however remained silent on the nature of the investigation and if 
the network is actually linked to the Revolutionary Guards as more MPs blasted 
the government's position. Members of the Islamic Reform and Development Bloc 
called on the government to explicitly reveal the nature of charges that have 
been made to the spy network and to announce na
mes of the suspects.

Addressing a press conference, the four members of the group warned against 
attempts to cover up internal or external sides in this case. MP Faisal 
Al-Mislem said that people are concerned after the reports that a spy network 
of Iran's Revolutionary Guards have been busted, adding the government's 
handling of the case has been wrong and lacked transparency. Mislem said that 
what adds to people's concerns is the fact that the spy cell is allegedly 
linked to Iran, which had repeatedly threatened to attack Ku
wait and other Gulf countries if attacked by the United States.

National Assembly Speaker Jassem Al-Khorafi commended delaying the submission 
of a request to hold a special debate on the spy network, saying he believes 
that the best way to deal with the issue is to summon the interior minister to 
the interior and defense committee and discuss the situation. Khorafi also 
called on MPs to stop issuing statements on the issue and let the authorities 
perform their duty.

MP Hassan Jowhar blamed the government for causing confusion in the country by 
failing to issue clear statements to clarify the situation and stop unnecessary 
interpretations. He said that government's hesitation has opened the door for 
speculation and "mixing of cards", encouraged the spread of rumours and stoking 
of sectarian tensions in the country. Jowhar appealed to the Kuwaiti people to 
beware from those with political agendas and those who attempt to undermine 
national unity.

MP Mubarak Al-Waalan yesterday warned the government and the interior minister 
against allowing any interference that may impact the ongoing investigations on 
the Iranian spy network, saying that any interference necessarily means an 
attempt to protect those who violate Kuwait's security and sovereignty. He 
added that any interference to save suspects in the network amounts to high 
treason against Kuwait's national interests. He also threatened to reveal the 
identity of those who attempt to interfere.


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