New Kuwait media law is a step backwards

On 24 April, Kuwait’s prime minister, Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, met some of the country’s leading editors, and – following a “candid, frank and expanded meeting” (in the words of state news agency Kuna) – put the brakes on a controversial media law, which in its current state would seriously undermine press freedom. “If you are against the bill, it will be shelved,” he said, suggesting that consultations between journalists and the government could lead to an amended version.