KUWAIT CITY, Sept 2: Kuwait’s Minister of Justice Nasser Al-Sumait has issued a decision to form a committee to review and develop the Criminal Procedures and Trials Law, part of a plan to modernize the legislative system and address gaps exposed in practice, particularly in pretrial detention, appeal methods, and enforcement of rulings.

The initiative also seeks to explore alternatives to criminal lawsuits to ease pressure on courts and the public prosecution, Al-Sumait told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Monday. He said the panel will study the current law, compare it with modern criminal legislation, and draft a new version that reflects constitutional principles, international agreements, and a balance between individual rights and societal guarantees.

The minister added that the committee will simplify procedures, accelerate case adjudication, and introduce provisions that respond to technological advances in investigation, control, and evidence, while preserving legitimacy and safeguarding constitutional rights.

The committee is chaired by Attorney General Counselor Dr. Omar Al-Masoud and includes:

Al-Sumait said the committee will submit a final report outlining proposed amendments along with a comparative table between existing and new provisions, as part of preparations for completing the required constitutional procedures.

He stressed that the move is consistent with the ministry’s strategy to modernize legislation, ensure faster justice, and reinforce Kuwait’s role in upholding the rule of law and protecting rights and freedoms.