Police in Kuwait used teargas and stun grenades yesterday to disperse demonstrators as thousands marched in a protest against changes to the electoral law which the opposition has called a constitutional coup by the government, witnesses said.
Demonstrators had gathered in various parts of Kuwait City to march toward the government’s headquarters. Riot police surrounded some groups, gave them a few minutes to disperse, and then used teargas and stun grenades against them, witnesses said. Several people were injured.
Protesters later regrouped to form a larger crowd — estimated at more than 20,000 people — which gathered at a road near Kuwait Towers, a seaside landmark.
The authorities had previously promised to “decisively confront” protesters to prevent the demonstration.
The opposition decided to take to the streets after the government announced it was calling elections for Dec. 1 and would change the electoral law “to preserve national unity.”
Tear gas used to break up protest in Kuwait
