Kuwait MP proposes Saudi-style anti-terror law

A Kuwaiti MP Sunday proposed a draft law that would impose jail terms of up to 30 years on Kuwaiti jihadists fighting abroad, nearly a week after Saudi Arabia introduced similar penalties.

The bill, submitted by pro-government legislator Nabeel al-Fadhl, stipulates jail terms of between five and 20 years for Kuwaitis who travel abroad to fight, as well as those who encourage or support such activities in any way.

The same penalty would apply to members of religious and extremist groups that have been classified as "terrorist" locally, regionally or by Arab countries, the draft legislation says.

Fadhl, a strong critic of Islamist groups, said in his proposal the penalty will become between 10 and 30 years in jail if the convicts are members of the army, national guard or police.

The proposal must be passed by parliament, which is dominated by pro-government MPs but also includes several Islamists, and then accepted by the government to become law.

Local media reported a number of Kuwaitis have travelled to Syria to fight in the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad's government.

Last week, Saudi King Abdullah issued a decree stipulating up to 20 years in jail for Saudis who are members of "terrorist groups" and join fighting abroad.