Kuwait police fire tear gas in clashes over jailed opposition leader
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Witnesses say riot police have used tear gas and stun grenades to drive back more than 2,000 protesters demanding the release of a jailed opposition leader.
Wednesday's clash outside a Kuwait City prison underscores the rising tensions in the oil-rich Gulf nation between the Western-backed rulers and opposition factions that include Islamists.
The crowd also marched in defiance of orders banning public gatherings of more than 20 people.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Anti-government groups have denounced the detention of former parliament member Musallam al-Barrack for allegedly insulting Kuwait's emir during protests.
The witnesses spoke on condition of anonymity because of fear of reprisals from authorities.
Parliament elections are planned for Dec 1.