A few days ago we reported on the alleged ban of the public use of digital single-lens reflex cameras (SLR) by the emirate of Kuwait. As we now know, the information by the newspaper Kuwait Times proved to be wrong – luckily.
Thus, there is neither a ban, nor an art event by Kurt Buchwald.
As stated by the Kuwait Times, “the newspaper regrets failing to verify the information. The article wrongly stated that a ban on DSLR cameras was implemented by the Ministries of Information, Social Affairs and Finance. This information is false. In a follow up investigation, it was proved that no such ban has been issued. We regret this error and deeply apologize for any inconvenience caused.”
Not just Wartist falling for this canard, but many other publications around the world, and not the least the German Foreign Ministry that stated in its Travel and Security Advices of 26 November 2010: “In Arab countries, one should only cautiously take pictures of people and previously ask for their permission. According to Kuwaiti press reports, a ministerial edict from November 2010 bans the use of single-lens reflex cameras (except for journalistic purposes). There a no specific statements about other camera types.”1
At least, there is no such ban, but the issue of the freedom of the press is ongoing in various countries. One cannot remember this too often; thus we gladly link our readers’ attention to the organisation Reporters without Borders.
- Translation Bayer ↩