‘Hala Abi’ Catcall Lands Young Man 3 Months in Jail

14/10/2026

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 14: The Court of Appeal has sentenced a young man to three months in prison for harassing a girl at a traffic signal by calling out to her with the words “Hala Abi” (Hala = Hello, Abi = Short form of Habibi)

Lawyer Muhammad Al-Darwish warned that seemingly casual or joking remarks directed at others could carry legal consequences if they fall under offences related to incitement to debauchery or immorality.

Al-Darwish stressed the importance of being cautious about words and expressions used in public, noting that conduct perceived by some as harmless teasing could lead to criminal proceedings and imprisonment, depending on the circumstances and the applicable law.

The ruling highlights the potential legal consequences of street harassment and inappropriate remarks directed at women in public places.