KUWAIT: State security detectives arrested five Syrian nationals over accusations of illegally collecting donations and sending them to fund the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria, said security sources. The sources added state security authorities had received information from Western intelligence agencies about funds transferred from Kuwait to terrorist groups in Syria including IS, Fateh Al-Sham (formerly Nusra) and other banned organizations. "By tracing the information, investigations led to a Syrian living in Sulaibikhat who admitted to transferring large sums to these groups for months," explained the sources, noting that large amounts of money were also found in the suspect's house. The suspect confessed to transferring the funds through another Syrian and his three sons, who own an office in Jleeb Al-Shuyiukh, who were also arrested. The father confessed that he used to send the money with his sons to Deir Ezzour, which is controlled by insurgents.

Dismissal rumors

Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Faleh Al-Azab denied that his meeting with the Public Anti-Corruption Authority's board of trustees had resulted in dismissing the chairman, as claimed on social media. "This is absolutely untrue," he underlined, urging bloggers to be more accurate. Azab added that he had met Chairman Abdul Rahman Al-Namash, his deputy Riyadh Al-Hajri and Secretary General Ahmed Al-Rumaihi, and discussed bridging gaps. He added that he would accordingly report to the Prime Minister.

Payments

MP Shuaib Al-Muwaizri yesterday filed an inquiry with Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Anas Al-Saleh asking about payments made by the Central Bank to the Prime Minister, previous or current Cabinet members, the speaker of the house and current or previous lawmakers other than their salaries and allowances since July 31, 2016.

Social aid

MP Thamer Al-Sowait warned the minister of social affairs and labor against her decision to suspend social aid given to Kuwaiti women married to non-Kuwaitis. "We strongly reject violating female citizens' constitutionally guaranteed rights," he stressed, noting that according to records, 1,300 women received social aid according to law 12/2011 amended by law number 23/2013. Meanwhile, MP Saleh Ashour yesterday proposed a bill suggesting granting Kuwaiti women married to non-Kuwaitis social, children and rent allowances, in addition to paying allowances to those in social care homes until they are employed.

By A Saleh