Woman jailed for 11 YEARS for tweeting that Emir of Kuwait should be overthrown

Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah

A teacher has been sentenced to 11 years in prison today for tweets that insulted Kuwait's ruler and encouraged his overthrow.

Huda al-Ajmi, 37, received the longest known sentence for online dissent in the Gulf state, according to Kuwaiti opposition groups.

She reportedly faced three separate charges that included insulting the Emir, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, which carries a one-year sentence in itself.

Sheikh Sabah al-Sabah is described as 'immune and inviolable' in the constitution.

The other two five-year prison terms were given for inciting rebellion against the regime and violating laws on public discussions.

Although Kuwait is more liberal than many Gulf states, authorities are increasingly cracking down on perceived dissent over social media.