Sheikha al-Jassem, a prominent Kuwaiti academic and human rights activist, has been charged with blasphemy for voicing her opinion that "politics and religion should be kept apart."
During a TV interview, when asked if she considers Kuwait to be a religious state or democratic state, Jassem emphasized that the source of authority should be the constitution, which stipulates that Kuwait is a democratic state. She asserted that this should be put above the Quran and Islamic law in governing the country.
"Anyone who believes that the Quran, or the shari'a, or the interpretations of these religious texts are above the constitution is betraying the state of Kuwait," Jassem said. She went on to say that any citizen who thinks differently poses a danger to the state.
Jassem pointed out that every religion is hijacked by politicians at some point, and that's when religion turns into something that is no longer between a person and Allah, but rather a tool used by these politicians to oppress people and make them believe a certain way.
That's not what religion should be about. However, her opinion was labeled as "blasphemy" rather than "freedom of speech."
The interview, which took place in March, touched on various topics including gender segregation in universities. Jassem made it clear that segregation is not necessary and claiming this to be a part of "traditions" is faulty.
The public prosecutor still hasn't decided whether she will be put on trial. It is a shame to see that speaking out publicly and voicing one's opinion on the separation of politics and religion is still not readily tolerated in the region.
