Kuwait City: Witnesses say riot police have used tear gas and stun grenades to drive back more than 2,000 protesters demanding the release of a jailed opposition leader.
Wednesday’s clash outside a Kuwait City prison underscores the rising tensions in the oil-rich Gulf nation between the Western-backed rulers and opposition factions that include Islamists.
The crowd also marched in defiance of orders banning public gatherings of more than 20 people.
Anti-government groups have denounced the detention of former Parliament member Musallam al-Barrack for allegedly insulting Kuwait's emir during protests.
The witnesses spoke on condition of anonymity because of fear of reprisals from authorities.
Parliamentary Elections are planned for December 01.
PTI
First Published: Thursday, November 01, 2012, 10:56