Assault cases plunge 53% as Kuwait law gets tougher

Kuwait has experienced a dramatic reduction in assault cases, with a 53.2% decrease reported in the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year, according to Minister of Justice Nasser Al-Sumait. The total number of cases registered at the Public Prosecution fell from 607 to 284 during this period.

Al-Sumait highlighted that this decline is a direct result of legislative amendments implemented in 2025 and 2026 aimed at strengthening the penal system. Specific reductions were observed across various categories of assault: premeditated murder and attempted murder cases dropped by 7.7%, misdemeanor assault cases fell by 63.6%, murder threats or causing physical harm cases decreased by 43.4%, and suicide and attempted suicide cases saw a 44.3% decline.

Among the significant legal reforms were the cancellation of Article 153, which previously offered a legal excuse for reduced sentences in cases of men killing their wives or female relatives caught in adultery, and Article 159, which provided mitigating circumstances for mothers killing their illegitimate children. Penalties for manslaughter and unintentional injury have been toughened, possession of bladed weapons in public without justification is now criminalized, and harsher penalties are in place for using such weapons. Furthermore, a new law for protection against domestic violence has been issued, and charges in cases involving assaults on children or individuals with diminished legal capacity cannot be waived or settled.

These comprehensive legal updates reflect Kuwait's commitment to enhancing public safety and reforming its justice system. The ministry's announcement underscores the effectiveness of these legislative changes in deterring violent crime and providing greater protection for vulnerable populations.

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the government continues to develop the penal system through the approval of legislative amendments in 2025 and 2026.