A rights activist in Kuwait says a Twitter user has been sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of insulting the Prophet Muhammad.

The court decision Monday is the latest among Gulf Arab nations in a widening crackdown on political commentary and other forms of expressions on social media.

Musaab Shamsah was arrested following a Twitter post he allegedly made in May that made references to the descendants of Islam's prophet. Activist Nawaf Al-Hendal says Shamsah plans to appeal.

The post, since taken down, could be taken as endorsing Shiite beliefs.

Sunni-majority Kuwait has been among the most aggressive Gulf states in clamping down on perceived offenses on the Internet.

In Saudi Arabia, three lawyers are facing trial over social media posts allegedly criticizing authorities.

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