SHAFAQNA (Shia International News Association) — Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has refused to sign a bill passed by parliament stipulating the death penalty for those who offend God Almighty, the Holy Quran, his prophets and Prophet Muhammad (p.) and his wives, according to parliament sources.
The Prince has the power to refuse bills passed by the elected parliament, but the assembly can override the rejection by passing the bill again with a two-thirds majority of the house membership of 50 MPs and 15 appointed Cabinet ministers.
Last month, the Kuwaiti parliament dominated by the Islamists introduced certain modifications to the Penal Law, which included adding two articles to stiffen penalties for such offences and specifically to stipulate the death penalty for those who offend God Almighty, the Holy Quran, His prophets and Prophet Muhammad (p.) and his wives.
Non-Muslims who commit the same offence face a jail term of no less than 10 years, according to the bill.
The bill stipulates exempting the convicts from the death penalty, if they repent before the court, and their sentence will be reduced to five years in prison and paying a 36 thousand dollars fine. — www.shafaqna.com
