Use of cameras with detachable lenses has not been outlawed in Kuwait, contrary to a report stating otherwise, a Kuwait newspaper has admitted.
An article in the Kuwait Times, published on 20 November, had suggested that use of digital SLR cameras (DSLRs) in public by non-journalists is banned but compacts or camera phones are allowed.
However, in a retraction published on Saturday the newspaper, stated: ?On Saturday, November 20 2010 the Kuwait Times published an article titled ?Multi ministry camera ban frustrates artists?; in which incorrect information was provided. 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 apologise for any inconvenience caused.?
The Kuwait Times report had raised eyebrows at the UK’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), prompting officials to launch a fact-finding mission.
Speaking today, an FCO spokeswoman told us: ‘Some of our guys in Kuwait got in touch with the newspaper… They didn’t verify their sources.’
Official British Government advice for UK travellers to Kuwait remains the same. It states: ‘Photography near government, military and industrial sites, particularly oil fields, is forbidden.’
