Five Found Not Guilty in Prisoner Escape Incident

24/06/2025

Five Found Not Guilty in Prisoner Escape Incident

KUWAIT CITY, June 24: The Court of Appeals has overturned the ruling of a lower court against five Ministry of Interior officers and a civilian citizen accused of forging civil records and facilitating the escape of a detainee from Saad Al-Abdullah Police Station. In its decision, the Appellate Court acquitted two officers and refrained from imposing penalties on the police station chief, two other officers and the civilian defendant. Previously, the Criminal Court declared all defendants guilty and sentenced them to three years in prison with hard labor.

Charges filed by the Public Prosecution included forgery of official documents, aiding the escape of a detainee, gross negligence in the performance of official duties, and abuse of authority. Also, the Court of First Instance emphasized in its ruling that the defendants committed a serious breach of the law. It underscored the fact that following unlawful orders does not absolve subordinates of responsibility, and that enabling the escape of a detainee undermines State authority and the rule of law. By overturning the convictions, the Court of Appeals resolved the dispute over criminal liability in the case; thereby, restoring legal clarity and finality to the proceedings.

By Jaber Al-Hamoud
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff and Agencies