kuwait

Earlier this week, it appeared that Kuwait had banned DSLR use in public places. Several major photography news outlets (including Photography Bay) picked up the Kuwait Times’ story.

As it turns out, no such ban was ever implemented. Today, the Kuwait Times issued the following retraction of the story:

“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 apologize for any inconvenience caused.”

[via Kuwait Times – Thanks to moayad for the tip.]

The Kuwait Times reports that Kuwait has banned the use of DSLRs in public places. In the article, the Kuwait Times notes that the only exception for public DSLR use would be journalism purposes.

The article seems to imply that DSLRs make people feel uncomfortable, pointing out that amateur photographers in Kuwait have completely changed how they use cameras because of the poor reception to public use. One photographer “decided to take photos of animals or still life due to the fact that these subjects don’t mind having their picture taken and don’t make a scene. ‘I started facing problems the very first day I bought my camera,’ [the photographer] added.”

Even with the assorted issues related to photography in the US, I’m thankful to have the liberties that we do have, and I’m glad I can walk around in public without being charged with a crime for using a DSLR.

UPDATE: Kuwait Times has issued a retraction of its story.

[via Kuwait Times]

Kuwait Times Issues Retraction: No DSLR Ban in Kuwait

DSLRs Banned in Kuwait