Latest news with #Al-Jassem
Kuwait News Agency
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait News Agency
Kuwait chief editors: Press freedom nat'l responsibility, base for development
News report by Mubarak Al-Enezi KUWAIT, May 3 (KUNA) -- A number of editors-in-chief affirmed on Saturday that press freedom was a responsibility of national importance that supports overall development and is an important pillar in that aspect. Speaking to KUNA on World Press Freedom Day, celebrated annually on May 3, the top journalists affirmed that Kuwait had a long and illustrious history in media and press, saying that freedoms within journalism were constitutionally protected in the country, which is uniquely known to all people living in the region as well as the world. "Responsible freedom" is a unique concept within journalism, which is a cornerstone of the national press in Kuwait, asserted Waleed Al-Jassem -- Editor-in-Chief of Al-Rai newspaper -- told KUNA in an interview. Having the press without a ceiling for freedom would only lead to chaos and unruliness, he said, saying that a journalist's job was to show the truth in a responsible manner that protected society and ensured its best interest. The rules and regulations that governed Kuwaiti media and press, whether visual, written, or audible, ensured freedom of the press without leading to hate speech or chaos, creating a unique balance and peace within society, he added. Whether private or public, press and media institutes have the utmost responsibility to protect responsible freedom without going above the law and societal norms, Al-Jassem affirmed. Al-Jassem spoke about digital journalism, stressing that it has become a necessity and has opened a new horizon for the press and media, enabling them to reach more audiences beyond borders and restrictions. With this great power must also come great responsibility, he asserted, adding that a journalist in Kuwait must think globally for his/her words, images, and videos have a greater audience. Refuting rumors, seeking truth and documenting facts are more of a necessity, especially during this time and age of digital media and press, reiterated Al-Jassem. A journalist must be fearless, honorable, and fight corruption with every tool in his/her position, especially with the advent of the new media, Nasser Al-Otaibi, Editor-In-Chief of Al-Jareeda newspaper. Press with no freedom resembles a body without a soul, Al-Otabi argued, saying that lack of freedom, journalists become more of paper tigers than truth-bearers. The World Press Day is an occasion that reflects the global admiration of people working in this valuable field, said Al-Otaibi, who alluded to the bravery of journalists in danger zones, especially in the Gaza Strip, who are regularly targeted and killed for showing the world the brutality of the Israeli occupation. While the world celebrates this occasion, nine out of 10 cases of killing journalists go without holding murderers accountable for their heinous actions, said Al-Otaibi, who called on people in power to ensure the safety of journalists and protect them against all dangers and unlawful targeting. Dr. Barakat Al-Hudaiban -- Editor-in-Chief of Al-Sabah newspaper and chairman of Al-Sabah news channel -- said that balancing freedom and social responsibility was the ultimate goal of a journalist, saying that unruly journalism would only lead to dire consequences on society and the world. There are many challenges facing journalists in Kuwait and the world, namely finding reliable sources and making sure what they cover and related is accurate and to the point. He affirmed that Kuwait has made huge leaps in recent years, setting advanced regulations for electronic and digital media despite the infancy of such media. Since the 1920s, Kuwaiti press and writers were on the vanguard of protecting freedom of speech and conveying truths in a professional manner, he pointed out, adding that in the age of digitization, press and journalism remain a responsibility not only within the boundaries of the country but on the global level. (end)
Zawya
27-03-2025
- Zawya
Kuwait's Attorney seeks full investigation and asset freeze in raffle fraud case
KUWAIT CITY - Attorney Mohammed Al-Jassem, representing several Kuwaiti citizens and expats who participated in the Ya Hala Festival raffles, has confirmed that the manipulation of these raffles has not only damaged the reputation of the organizing bodies but also caused financial and moral harm to individuals and companies that adhered to the official conditions. Highlighting "serious indications of systematic fraud and manipulation," Al-Jassem emphasized the need for urgent judicial intervention. He called for an immediate order to freeze the bank accounts of all suspects and requested the General Department of Criminal Investigations to provide a detailed report on all incoming and outgoing bank transfers linked to the suspects during the investigation period. He stressed the importance of analyzing these transactions and cross-referencing them with the names of the raffle winners. Al-Jassem further requested a comprehensive audit of all raffles conducted by the implicated Ministry of Commerce employee. He demanded a thorough examination of the dates and transactions associated with each draw, along with a review of the winners' names to detect any patterns of repetition or manipulation. Additionally, he urged authorities to obtain records of all incoming and outgoing phone calls made by the accused during the relevant periods and compare them with the names of winners and participants. He also called for an extensive investigation into all individuals with the authority to select names in raffles, recruitment processes, or other public competitions. Al-Jassem underscored the need to investigate potential bribery related to these activities. According to Al-Jassem, the crime revolves around obtaining financial benefits through fraud, disguised as legitimate prizes, which are then sold or otherwise disposed of. He warned that the case exhibits clear signs of money laundering, as the illicit gains are being converted into seemingly legitimate assets. He urged the State Security and Anti-Money Laundering Service to investigate whether the fraudulently obtained prizes were sold or used as a front to conceal or transfer illicit funds. Furthermore, he raised concerns about the existence of a wider criminal network exploiting these activities for money laundering purposes. Al-Jassem described the current revelations as merely "a drop in the ocean" of widespread fraud and corruption, which demands a serious and systematic response. He warned that remaining silent would only allow corruption to spread further, undermining public trust in government institutions. He called for the eradication of organized corruption networks, stressing that "what is hidden is even greater" and requires immediate action. He urged authorities to treat this case with the same seriousness as the recent naturalization fraud investigations, emphasizing that it directly impacts the principles of social justice and should be met with zero tolerance. Potential charges in the case include: - Forgery of withdrawal documents - Exploitation of public office - Damage to public funds if government errors led to compensation claims from affected parties - Bribery, money laundering, and gross breach of duty
Arab Times
26-03-2025
- Arab Times
Attorney Seeks Full Investigation and Asset Freeze in Raffle Fraud Case
KUWAIT CITY, March 26: Attorney Mohammed Al-Jassem, representing several Kuwaiti citizens and expats who participated in the Ya Hala Festival raffles, has confirmed that the manipulation of these raffles has not only damaged the reputation of the organizing bodies but also caused financial and moral harm to individuals and companies that adhered to the official conditions. Highlighting "serious indications of systematic fraud and manipulation," Al-Jassem emphasized the need for urgent judicial intervention. He called for an immediate order to freeze the bank accounts of all suspects and requested the General Department of Criminal Investigations to provide a detailed report on all incoming and outgoing bank transfers linked to the suspects during the investigation period. He stressed the importance of analyzing these transactions and cross-referencing them with the names of the raffle winners. Al-Jassem further requested a comprehensive audit of all raffles conducted by the implicated Ministry of Commerce employee. He demanded a thorough examination of the dates and transactions associated with each draw, along with a review of the winners' names to detect any patterns of repetition or manipulation. Additionally, he urged authorities to obtain records of all incoming and outgoing phone calls made by the accused during the relevant periods and compare them with the names of winners and participants. He also called for an extensive investigation into all individuals with the authority to select names in raffles, recruitment processes, or other public competitions. Al-Jassem underscored the need to investigate potential bribery related to these activities. According to Al-Jassem, the crime revolves around obtaining financial benefits through fraud, disguised as legitimate prizes, which are then sold or otherwise disposed of. He warned that the case exhibits clear signs of money laundering, as the illicit gains are being converted into seemingly legitimate assets. He urged the State Security and Anti-Money Laundering Service to investigate whether the fraudulently obtained prizes were sold or used as a front to conceal or transfer illicit funds. Furthermore, he raised concerns about the existence of a wider criminal network exploiting these activities for money laundering purposes. Al-Jassem described the current revelations as merely "a drop in the ocean" of widespread fraud and corruption, which demands a serious and systematic response. He warned that remaining silent would only allow corruption to spread further, undermining public trust in government institutions. He called for the eradication of organized corruption networks, stressing that "what is hidden is even greater" and requires immediate action. He urged authorities to treat this case with the same seriousness as the recent naturalization fraud investigations, emphasizing that it directly impacts the principles of social justice and should be met with zero tolerance. Potential charges in the case include: - Forgery of withdrawal documents - Exploitation of public office - Bribery, money laundering, and gross breach of duty
