In July, Kuwait demonstrated its tough stance against drugs by executing two Iranian smugglers. Citizens may freely criticize the government, but not the al-Sabah family. The press law prohibits publication of articles critical of the royal family, as well as those deemed likely to provoke hatred or dissent. Seven privately owned newspapers exist. Foreign periodicals are sold freely and rarely censored.
Broadcast media are state owned and favor the government.
It has been possible to access international media through satellite dishes and radio, yet in September a committee on Islamic law proposed the establishment of a cable system that would allow officials to censor satellite broadcasts. The government restricts freedom of assembly, though informal political groupings, some of which may be characterized as oppositionist, exist without government interference. Prior government approval is required for public gatherings. Some 150,000 bidoon are considered illegal residents. As many as 160,000 fled Kuwait during the 1990 Iraqi invasion, and were not allowed to return despite claims that their families remain in Kuwait.