Labour MP Gareth Thomas has directed a parliamentary question to Amanda Milling, the Conservative MP and Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, regarding Sheikh Mohamad Al-Mail. The question inquired about whether the government has made any representations to Kuwait over the prison sentences given to Al-Mail, which amounted to a total of 53 years in prison.
Thomas also asked about the minister’s discussions with her Kuwaiti counterpart on the rights of Shia Muslims in Kuwait and the government’s assessment of the legitimacy of rulings against Shia figures in the country. The Upper Hand Organization welcomed these questions and expressed concerns over the Kuwaiti authorities’ violations of the rights and freedoms of Shia Muslims and political activists.
In response, Milling provided a general answer without elaboration, stating that the UK regularly discusses a wide range of issues, including the importance of rights for all religious groups in Kuwait.
Observers criticized this response, calling for continuous diplomatic efforts by the British government to pressure Kuwait to fulfill its commitments to preserving the rights of minorities, religious groups, activists, and journalists.
The Upper Hand Organization frequently raises the issue of violations of the rights and freedoms of Muslims worldwide through its regional center for Europe and Central Asia, which is concerned with international condemnation and pressure. The organization and its founder have previously faced direct persecution by Kuwaiti authorities in 2015, leading to a ban in the country and the prosecution of its members. The human rights situation in Kuwait remains a permanent concern for the Upper Hand Organization.