Travel Bans and Detentions Rise as State Security Cases Increase

28/03/2026

Travel Bans and Detentions Rise as State Security Cases Increase

KUWAIT CITY, March 28: The 2025 annual report of the Public Prosecution showed a remarkable increase in caseload volume, as well as exceptional completion rates and robust judicial outcomes, reflecting the heightened efficiency of the judicial system, This development came in the midst of notable changes like crimes, particularly the surge in technology-related and modern financial offenses, while the number of traditional crimes has declined. Attorney General Saad Al-Safran announced the release of the report while affirming the commitment of the prosecution to guarantee transparency and the development of an integrated database for criminal statistics to support the efforts of the State in upholding the rule of law.

The data indicated that 49,763 cases were registered in 2025, an increase of 7.6 percent compared to the previous year, with the rate of cases concluded reaching 97.5 percent or a total of 48,533 cases -- 61 percent of which were referred to the criminal courts, 37.7 percent were dismissed, and 1.3 percent were deferred due to lack of jurisdiction.

The data showed that the number of judgments issued reached 50,567, with convictions constituting 88 percent (44,480 judgments), compared to 12 percent acquittals, indicating the strength of judicial outcomes. The prosecution handled 11,807 appeals against judgments, 10,730 of which were appeals within the legal guarantees for litigants and the right to a two-tiered judicial process

As part of its role in protecting society, the prosecution issued 3,206 pretrial detention orders, 1,003 travel bans, 184 asset and property seizure orders and financial guarantees totaling KD1,236,603, showing a proactive approach parallel to judicial action. State security cases increased by 15.74 percent or 125 cases compared to 108 in 2024. Premeditated murder and attempted murder cases reached 69 or 6.2 percent increase, but remained below the 100 cases recorded in 2023. Theft felonies decreased to 1,313 cases, while suicide and attempted suicide cases rose slightly to 126, but remained below the previously high levels. Bribery and abuse of power cases decreased by 27.8 percent or 13 cases, while failure to submit financial disclosures increased to 532.

Crimes related to journalism, media and information technology rose by 31.1 percent or 5,323 cases -- the highest level in recent years. Misappropriation of public funds decreased by 67 percent or 73 cases, the lowest level recorded in recent years. Refusal to execute judgments rose to 624, while money laundering cases reached 207. On the other hand, forgery of official documents decreased to 493, drug-related crimes declined to 3,066 cases, juvenile delinquency cases decreased to 3,486, and domestic violence cases fell to 2,010 -- a positive indicator of improvement in some aspects of society.

Crimes involving forgery of banknotes reached 3,822 cases, a significant increase, alongside a surge in human trafficking crimes, albeit limited in number. This shows the rise of new criminal patterns. The Commercial Affairs Prosecution Office dealt with the highest number of cases at 7,799, followed by the Ahmadi and Mubarak Al- Kabeer prosecutions and then the Media, Information and Publishing Prosecution Office.

The number of defendants reached 50,459, with males constituting 84.9 percent and the 30-39 age group recorded the highest percentage. The Public Prosecution has 506 members -- 17.4 percent of whom are women, indicating the development of institutional efficiency. It affirmed that this report is part of its commitment to maintain transparency and keep the public informed about its performance indicators in order to develop judicial policies and performance efficiency.

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