U.S. "ally" opposed to Bedouin primary elections.

Kuwaiti police have dispersed hundreds of tribesmen protesting against the arrest of eight men for organising an illegal form of primary elections.

Police fired tear gas on Wednesday after the crowds tried to force open the gate of the Criminal Investigation Department where the men were being held, witnesses said.

Demonstrators rallied outside the building east of Kuwait City for hours, demanding the immediate release of the men.

The eight men, from major Bedouin tribes, were remanded to police custody after they were interrogated over their role in organising tribal elections which are banned by law.

The government has vowed to crack down on all forms of sectarian and tribal primaries ahead of a legislative election set for May 17, saying they undermine national unity.

Kuwaiti tribes resort to primary elections in a bid to field a small number of candidates to boost their chances of winning seats in parliament. AlJazeerah