Kidnapping cases in Kuwait plunge 45.5%

Al-Sumait revealed that statistics for cases registered in the Public Prosecution revealed the 45.5 percent decrease in kidnapping cases in the first half of 2026, compared to the same period in 2025. He said the total number of cases decreased from 99 to 54, while crimes against honor and reputation decreased by 28 percent -- from 168 to 121 cases. He disclosed that the statistics recorded a decline at varying rates in the number of serious crimes related to violation of liberty and honor. He said these crimes include indecent assault by force, threat, or deception, which went down by 50 percent or from 76 to 38 cases. He indicated that the kidnapping of children by persons without custody rights dropped by 45.3 percent and kidnapping by force with the intent to cause harm decreased by 64.3 percent.

He pointed out that these indicators coincide with the ongoing development of the criminal justice system and the strengthening of legal protection, such as the repeal of Article 182 of the Penal Code. This article allowed the exemption of a kidnapper from punishment if he married the woman he kidnapped and if her guardian requested that he not be punished. The repeal ended such exception and intensified accountability for perpetrators. According to the minister, the new Domestic Violence Protection Law intensified protection for groups most vulnerable to abuse, as it includes provisions restricting the withdrawal of complaints, reconciliation or pardon in certain cases. He confirmed that the government continues to implement its national plan to upgrade legislation, and review criminal and procedural laws, in order to solidify protection for rights and freedoms, maintain security, and uphold the rule of law.