KUWAIT: The criminal court on Monday acquitted 18 former MPs and activists from charges of spreading false news on social media about the allegations that the interior ministry banned former MP Shuaib Al-Muwaizri from entering the country. The 18 politicians were charged with claiming on social media that the interior ministry did not allow Muwaizri to enter the country after arrival at the airport because he refused to undergo the compulsory Biometric fingerprints.

In October, the former lawmaker stayed at the airport for about three days then decided to leave without doing the Biometric fingerprints. A few weeks ago, Muwaizri returned to Kuwait and did the fingerprints to face a court case against him over similar charges. He was acquitted by the criminal court. The acquittal of the 18 politicians, who include some 14 ex-MPs, is expected to be challenged by the public prosecutor at the appeals court.