Kuwait court blocks extradition of resident wanted by France over 1982 attack
The Criminal Court, presided over by Judge Dr. Khaled Al-Amira, has denied a request to extradite and pursue international legal action against a Kuwait resident represented by attorney Abdul-Mohsen Al-Qattan, who is sought by French authorities in connection with allegations related to the 1982 bombing of an Israeli restaurant.
The ruling followed arguments presented by Al-Qattan, who stressed that his client’s legal rights must be safeguarded and that extradition proceedings are limited to examining the legal conditions for surrender, not assessing the merits of the accusations, reports Al-Rai daily.
The defense cited Article 5, Paragraph 10 of International Cooperation Law No. 79/2025, which prohibits the extradition of a person if there is a risk of torture, inhuman treatment, cruel or disproportionate punishment, or if guarantees of a fair trial are lacking.
Al-Qattan further argued that the law cannot be applied retroactively to incidents that occurred more than four decades ago.
He based his argument on established international legal principles, French legislation, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Geneva Conventions, all of which, he said, reinforce the protection of acquired rights and uphold the principle of justice.
The Public Prosecution had sought the defendant’s extradition to France on charges including participation in murder and attempted murder, as well as logistical and reconnaissance roles preceding operations aimed at disturbing public order.
