Hamad al-Naqi

Hamad al-Naqi (; born c. 1988 ) is a Kuwaiti activist and blogger who in June 2012 was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment on charges of provoking sectarian tensions and making blasphemous tweets against Muhammad. His arrest triggered international outcry from human rights organizations and world leaders.

Criminal charges Al-Naqi was arrested on 27 March 2012 and taken to Kuwait Central Prison. A judge found al-Naqi guilty on all charges—"insulting the Prophet, the Prophet's wife and companions, mocking Islam, provoking sectarian tensions, insulting the rulers of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain and misusing his mobile phone to spread the comments"— and on 4 June gave him the maximum prison sentence of ten years. His lawyer stated that al-Naqi intended to appeal.

Reactions Media commentators described al-Naqi's case as demonstrating "growing tensions between the country's Sunni majority and Shiite minority". Amnesty International designated al-Naqi a prisoner of conscience and called for his immediate and unconditional release. A spokeswoman stated that "criticizing religion is a protected form of expression and should not be criminalized ... Nor should individuals be subject to imprisonment for insulting heads of state or other public figures or institutions." The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information denounced the blasphemy charge against al-Naqi as a "cover-up" and an excuse to "gag" political opponents.