KUWAIT CITY, Sept 17 : Minister of Justice Dr. Mohammad Al-Wasmi has affirmed the State of Kuwait’s keenness on harmonizing national legislation with commitment toward international human rights treaties. Al-Wasmi, also the Minister of Al-Awqaf (endowments) and Islamic Affairs, alluded in particular to the convention Kuwait has joined in the field of human rights, renouncing torture and other accords that condemn inhumane treatment and penalty, as stipulated in the Decree-into-Law 93/2024.

The minister, in a press statement, indicated that substituting provision 53 of Law 31/1970, amending some articles of the penal code 16/1960, aimed at boosting human rights and basic rights, as enshrined by the State of Kuwait Constitution. Moreover, he indicated that the modification was the fruit of coordination between the ministries of justice and foreign affairs.

An amended provision stipulates punishment for torture to get confessions under duress, in addition to five years imprisonment and increasing the fine from KD 500 to KD 5,000 maximum and not less than KD 1,000. Minister Al-Wasmi has confirmed penalties will be taken against officers responsible for the illegal acts and others who abstain from preventing them. Stiffer action will be taken against those who discriminate among the detainees.(KUNA)