KUWAIT CITY, Dec 29: The Public Prosecution has witnessed a notable increase in its caseload, receiving 20,612 cases in the first half of 2024, marking a 21.1 percent rise compared to the same period last year. The criminal cases topped the chart, comprising 28.6 percent of the total, while drug addiction cases were the least frequent, accounting for just 2.4 percent. The statistics, a copy of which has been received by the Al-Seyassah daily, reveal that the Prosecution dealt with 19,544 cases overall, resolving 18,833. The felony and commercial misdemeanor cases stood out as the most prominent categories, making up 30.8 percent and 30.5 percent, respectively, of cases handled.

Banking crimes and drug-related offenses were the largest categories among newly received cases, each contributing approximately 29 percent. Despite the general rise in cases, there were notable declines in specific categories. Drug addiction cases fell by 33.6 percent, environmental misdemeanors by 4.3 percent, and juvenile offenses by 2.1 percent. The commercial misdemeanors saw the most dramatic surge, climbing 101.7 percent. The technology-related offenses followed with a 33.1 percent increase, reflecting the growing complexity of cybercrimes. The felony cases and check misdemeanors also rose by 7.9 percent and 9.2 percent, respectively.

On the other hand, murder and assault cases experienced a sharp drop of 51.4 percent, while property crimes decreased by 24.7 percent. The cases involving assaults on honor and reputation fell by 15.6 percent and banking crimes decreased by 7.7 percent. The statistics underscore both challenges and achievements for Kuwait’s judicial system. The rise in drug and psychotropic substance crimes by 30.4 percent, along with a 3.1 percent increase in kidnapping and unlawful detention cases, highlights areas needing intensified focus. As Public Prosecution continues to tackle these evolving trends, the significant progress in reducing violent crimes, such as murder and assault, provides a silver lining to an otherwise busy year for law enforcement and judiciary authorities.

By Jaber Al-Hamoud/Munif Naif
 Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff