His Highness the Amir of Kuwait
Shaikh Jaber al-Ahmed al-Salah Al-Diwan al-Amiri
Al-Safat, Kuwait City
KUWAIT
Your Highness:
I wish to bring to your attention a troubling matter. Ibtisam Berto Sulaiman al-Dakhil, a 41-year old woman, remains detained in Kuwait despite having been pardoned by Your Highness in 1998.
The independent human rights organization Amnesty International is in possession of a letter from Kuwait's Minister of State for National Assembly Affairs which states that Ibtisam al-Dakhil (case no. 188/91) "was released by ordinance of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, issued in the occasion of National Day on 25/2/1998." However, Amnesty International had learned that Ibtisam al-Dakhil was not released, and she is currently being held at Kuwait Central Prison in Kuwait City.
Ibtisam al-Dakhil had worked as a journalist for the Kuwaiti newspaper al-Qabas before it was closed down during Iraq's occupation and replaced with the Iraqi-controlled newspaper al-Nida'. She initially refused to work for al-Nida', but was forced to do so after twice being detained by the Iraqis. At that time she feared for the safety of her children as well as her own safety. Shortly after Iraqi forces withdrew, Ms. al-Dakhil told Kuwaiti police what had happened.
Knowing of the compassion you displayed last year in granting the release of many Jordanian prisoners, I hope that Your Highness will show similar compassion for Ibtisam al-Dakhil at this time.
I fervently hope that Ibtisam al-Dakhil will be freed immediately and unconditionally in accordance with Your Highness' orders.
Very sincerely yours,
copy to:
Ambassador Mohammed Sabah al-Sabah
Embassy of Kuwait
2940 Tilden Street N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008