Kuwait has enacted a major penal reform reducing life sentences to 20 years, aimed at enhancing rehabilitation. A specialized committee will review inmate cases nearing sentence completion. This initiative promotes a balanced approach between justice and reintegration efforts.
On March 7, 2025, Kuwait announced a significant penal reform directed by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahd Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, ordered the reduction of life sentences to a maximum of 20 years, in replacement of the previous sentence of life imprisonment with hard labor.
A specialized committee will be formed to review the cases of inmates serving life sentences approximately three months before the completion of their 20-year terms. Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef requested leaders of correctional institutions to accelerate the process of listing and evaluating eligible inmates for potential release, marking a shift toward more timely reviews.
This initiative supports Kuwait’s objectives to enhance reform and rehabilitation within its correctional system. The directive aims to balance justice enforcement with opportunities for inmates to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society after serving their time.
The Minister of Interior reaffirmed a commitment to ensure that sentencing policies contribute not only to punishment but also to inmate reform and rehabilitation. The announcement coincided with Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef’s visit to the Central Prison, where he shared breakfast with inmates and their families, highlighting the human component of correctional reforms.
This reform marks a pivotal step in Kuwait’s endeavor to modernize its justice system, reflecting a commitment to a more rehabilitative approach to incarceration rather than purely punitive measures.
The recent reform in Kuwait’s penal code demonstrates a commitment to modernizing the justice system by reducing life sentences and focusing on rehabilitation. The establishment of a specialized committee for reviewing inmate cases highlights the move towards more timely and fair evaluations, allowing opportunities for reintegration into society. Overall, these measures reflect a balanced approach to justice that incorporates both punishment and reform.
Original Source: www.arabtimesonline.com
