By Faten Omar
KUWAIT: A video showing the installation of solar-powered surveillance cameras in several areas of Kuwait went viral on social media on Wednesday, creating controversy among citizens. Under the hashtag #Spy_Cameras_in_Kuwait_Streets, which trended on Twitter, thousands of citizens claimed such cameras are a clear violation of the privacy of Kuwaitis. The cameras were seen in the areas of Abdullah Al-Salem, Shamiya and Yarmouk.
To clear this point, Mohammad Al-Jassem, lawyer and Interpol-accredited expert in international law enforcement cooperation, told Kuwait Times that security cameras in public places are permitted, and there is no legal dispute unless they are in private places not authorized by the owners. He affirmed several countries have installed surveillance cameras on streets to monitor reckless drivers and obtain evidence related to criminal or violent events. "Most countries have security cameras on their streets, such as Britain, UAE, Singapore, Malaysia and others,” he said.
Naaf Al-Fillah tweeted: "There is no privacy on public streets. A road is a public place, and we demand these cameras to maintain security and detect crime and reduce it. Therefore, we must thank the ministry of interior and ask them to increase its numbers at all entrances and exits of all areas in order to preserve security.” Mohammed Al-Balushi said: "There are surveillance cameras everywhere in Kuwait, even in residential areas, because there are a lot of thefts and drug activities. We demand an increase in surveillance cameras. This is national security and protection of the citizen, and whoever rejects this has something to hide.”
Ahmad Ashkanani considered this a great step, hoping for more surveillance in various areas to reduce crime and theft. Muna Al-Balushi tweeted: "These cameras are necessary to maintain security and safeguard the rights of people when a crime occurs. It is necessary to punish anyone who disregards the lives of others by using phones while driving or driving at a crazy speed and harassing others, which leads to horrific accidents. Law enforcement always uses security cameras placed throughout a city at strategic locations.” But others saw this move as a step to control citizens. "This is surveillance for safety purposes, but it means rules will be rigorous and you’ll be under observation 24/7. Welcome to Kuwait-China!” read a tweet.