(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - The demonstrators, including several Kuwaiti activists, former lawmakers and representatives from the Kuwait Association for Human Rights, gathered in Jahra, northwest of the capital, on Friday to protest the social discriminations against the bidoons.
The bidoons have held several demonstrations since February. The latest protest held last week led to violence, use of tear gas and water cannons as well as the apprehension of over 30 of the protesters by the riot police and.
The bidoons, who are mostly living under dire economic conditions due to strict government restrictions, claim the right to Kuwaiti nationality, arguing their ancestors failed to register for citizenship five decades ago.
Kuwaiti authorities maintain these people are immigrants from neighboring countries, and refuse to grant them citizenship.
Last week, the Kuwaiti government announced that it is considering a plan to grant citizenship to 34,000 out of the estimated 105,000 bidoons, and required the remaining 71,000 to disclose their original nationality.
While the average monthly salary for Kuwaiti citizens exceeds $3,500, the bidoons are denied basic documentation, including birth, marriage and death certificates.
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