14/03/2026
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14/03/2026
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KUWAIT CITY, March 14: Dr. Fawaz Khaled Alkhateeb, Head of the Committee for the Amendment of the Penal Code and Criminal Procedures Law at the Kuwait Lawyers Association, has emphasized the need to review certain provisions of the Criminal Procedures Law, particularly those related to the presence of a lawyer with the accused during interrogations at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and during subsequent investigations.
In a press statement, Dr. Alkhateeb stressed the importance of educating defendants about their legal rights and maintaining a proper balance between the requirements of security and the guarantees of rights and freedoms. He noted that strengthening legal safeguards for defendants represents a fundamental pillar for achieving criminal justice and protecting the truth.
Dr. Alkhateeb explained that many defendants are often unaware of their most basic legal rights, such as the right to remain silent until the presence of a lawyer, the right to obtain legal advice, and the right of their lawyer to review case documents. He pointed out that investigations are legally open to the parties involved, while confidentiality applies only to the public and does not extend to the accused or their legal counsel.
He also noted that pressures sometimes faced by defendants during the CID interrogation stage may lead to statements that do not accurately reflect the truth, but instead arise from fear or psychological pressure. Such circumstances, he said, do not serve justice and may hinder efforts to uncover the facts.
Dr. Alkhateeb stressed that criminal justice should not be built on strictness or intimidation, but rather on clear, lawful, and transparent procedures. The clearer and fairer the procedures are, he noted, the greater the public’s confidence in the judiciary and the stronger the respect for the justice system. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of ensuring the presence of a lawyer from the earliest stages of criminal proceedings, including during CID interrogations, enabling defendants to communicate with their lawyer and family and ensuring they are informed of their legal rights. Such measures, he said, are essential to safeguarding rights and achieving genuine justice.
