OVER the few past days Kuwait lost one of the main symbols of the democratic movement in Kuwait — Jassem Abdulaziz Al-Qatami — the man who had exerted all his efforts fighting for justice and what he called people’s participation. He is the brother of late Mohammad Al-Qatami who was killed during the ill events of the second Legislative Council in 1938. He embraced martyrdom for the sake of democracy and development of the ‘management method’. Al-Qatami is a unique personality. I will not be able to cover in this article all aspects of his life, but I will shed light on certain historical events in the life of this man.

First, he was appointed commander of police force in 1953. In 1956 he refused the orders from higher authorities to disperse the citizens. His answer to Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem - the then Amir of Kuwait — was ‘the police is ready to protect the demonstrations not fight them’. This was Jassem Al-Qatami, the person who didn’t think about his position but stood by his attitude.
As a result he lost his job which was his only source of living. I wonder how many security leaders could have followed his example when they tried to show off by attacking the citizens during investigations and peaceful demonstrations.

Secondly when the National Movement entrusted him to give a speech at the Shuwaikh Secondary School, the tone of his speech was revolutionary in nature. The crowd erupted in enthusiasm when he said: ‘It is now time to have a democratic rule where the people shall be its ‘Constitution’ and its ‘Ministers’.”
The speech backfired and in 1959 the authorities withdrew his passport and imposed on him obligatory detention. This was followed by his dismissal from the Cinema Company.
When he became Member of Parliament in 1963 several laws were accomplished by his group — the National Movement group. One of the prominent laws that were passed during this time was the nationalization of oil.

He is also prominently known for the so-called Monday Diwaniyas which were held at his Diwan. The first meeting took place on Dec 4, 1989. This is in addition to his unlimited support to restore the provisions of 1962 Constitution.
He was also a vociferous supporter of the Kuwaiti and Arab Human Rights Society. When he was chairman of the society I had the honor to be a board member and therefore, I had an opportunity to know this noble man more and more.
It is difficult for me to write the history of this man because if I summarize his achievements it will lose the glitter.

I vividly remember my visits to his Diwan in Shuwaikh or when I met him in the other Diwaniyas. He always raised his hand and said ‘Be brave, this is your time’.
My advice to young men not to destroy the movement launched by this great man due to a moment of enthusiasm, rather take the late Al-Qatami as a good example of patience, diligence and giving to his home country in words and deeds.
He neither made any compromises with the authorities at the expense of the democratic principles nor protected his position. What he fought for since 1956 was accomplished when the Constitution of 1962 was written. From there he continued in his defense of the democratic system.
Finally I want to offer my sincere condolences to the bereaved family and all those who loved him dearly.

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