KUWAIT CITY, Nov 17: The Criminal Court has issued a default ruling sentencing former Member of Parliament Mohammed Al-Mutair to three years in prison with hard labor, following charges related to statements he made on social media.

According to court documents, the Public Prosecution referred Al-Mutair for trial after accusing him of spreading false information about the country’s internal affairs. The case also included charges of insulting members of the judiciary and the Public Prosecution through posts and tweets published on his personal social media account.

The court delivered its judgment in absentia after Al-Mutair failed to appear for the hearing. The ruling comes amid increased scrutiny of online activity in Kuwait, particularly content that targets state institutions or undermines public trust.

The verdict remains subject to appeal once the defendant is notified and takes the necessary legal steps.