Jail cut in infant death ‘No criminal intent in kill’

22/04/2026

KUWAIT CITY, April 22: The Court of Appeals overturned a five-year prison sentence issued by the Criminal Court against a Kuwaiti citizen who was accused of murdering his seven-month-old daughter, and reduced the prison term to two years’ imprisonment, which can be suspended upon payment of a KD 200 bail. The Public Prosecution had charged the defendant with intentionally striking his seven-month-old daughter while assaulting his wife, resulting in injuries that led to the child’s death. He was also charged with child neglect and domestic violence.

Lawyer Nawaf Al-Wuhaib stated that he requested an amendment to the legal charges and their classification, arguing that the charge of “assault leading to death” did not apply due to the absence of criminal intent to harm the child. He demanded the application of the charge of manslaughter, stressing that the confession attributed to his client was invalid, as it was obtained under physical and psychological duress. Lawyer Al-Wuhaib also challenged the forensic report, arguing that it violated scientific principles and that the elements of the crime, including the causal link, were not established. He further requested that both the investigating officer and the forensic doctor be summoned to discuss crucial points in the case.

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