The Kuwaiti lawyers delegation announced joining Egyptian lawyers who will be defending the former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. The announcement raised legal conflict. Mubarak opponents doubt Kuwaiti lawyers are allowed to defend Mubarak because they are not recorded in the Egyptian Bar Association. Meanwhile, the leader of the Egyptian defense team confirmed official permissions were issued by the court to allow Kuwaiti lawyers to participate and attend sessions. “We will receive the permission today to attend Mubarak trail sessions,” said Kuwaiti lawyer, Faysal Otiby. Otiby said he volunteered to defend Mubarak because of Mubarak's support to Kuwait during the Iraqi invasion. “Defending Mubarak does not oppose Kuwaiti law, which states lawyers can choose cases which are not against Kuwait interests,” said Otiby. He pointed out the Egyptian Ministry of Interior must first secure them. “We support Egyptians and will not interfere in Egypt's affairs. Kuwaiti wish the comfort of the martyrs' families and wish fast recovery for those who are injured,” added Otiby. About Mubarak, he commented; “The accused is innocent until proven guilty.” The head of Kuwaiti lawyers association, Khaled Kendary, said defending Mubarak is purely an Egyptian issue. Arab countries did not feel what Egyptians suffered through during Mubarak tenure. “Egyptian lawyers are more experienced in Egyptian legal affairs. They do not need more support. But apparently, Kuwaiti lawyers are free to chose their cases to defend as long as cases are not against Kuwaiti affairs,” said Kendary.
