Kuwait summoned Iran’s ambassador on Oct. 28 over the Iranian Embassy’s rejection of allegations against a citizen, saying the statement challenged its sovereignty and judicial independence after three defendants received death sentences in the case.
Deputy Foreign Minister Hamad Suleiman Al-Mashaan summoned Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Toutounchi and delivered a protest note, the Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry said. The ministry called on Iran to follow international law, the U.N. Charter and the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Iran’s embassy rejected Kuwait’s allegation that a citizen was involved in a plot to assassinate senior officials or other activity threatening Kuwait’s national security. The mission also made the unverified claim that the citizen had not been in Kuwait during the previous 10 years.
Three defendants received death sentences from Kuwait’s State Security Criminal Court on Oct. 26, while eight others received five-year prison terms, Kuwait Times and The National reported. The case involved charges including alleged espionage for Iran, links to Hezbollah and an alleged plot to assassinate senior officials, the outlets reported.
Kuwait Times reported that the death sentences will go to Kuwait’s Court of Appeals for a final ruling. The outlet did not report a date for the court proceeding.
