Assault cases in Kuwait drop 53.2 percent in first half of 2026
Kuwait reports significant fall in crime-related cases this year until June 2026
Cases of assault against persons before the Public Prosecution in Kuwait fell 53.2% in the first half of 2026, dropping from 607 cases in the same period of 2025 to 284.
Justice Minister Counselor Nasser Al-Sumait said premeditated murder and attempted murder cases declined 7.7%, from 26 to 24, while assault misdemeanors fell 63.6%, from 376 to 137 cases.
Cases involving threats of murder or harm decreased 43.4%, from 99 to 56, while suicide and attempted suicide cases dropped 44.3%, from 61 to 34.
Felony assault cases causing severe physical pain also declined 62.5%, from 16 cases to six during the first half of the year.
Al-Sumait said Kuwait has continued to strengthen its penal system through legislative reforms introduced in 2025 and 2026.
These included repealing provisions that provided mitigating excuses in certain so-called “honor” killings and tightening penalties for manslaughter and accidental injury.
The reforms also criminalized carrying bladed weapons in public without legitimate justification and increased penalties for using such weapons in assault or intimidation.
Kuwait also introduced a new domestic violence protection law and prohibited waivers or reconciliation in cases involving children assaulting their parents, as well as crimes committed against children and people lacking legal capacity.
The Justice Ministry will continue monitoring crime statistics and assessing the impact of the reforms, with the aim of strengthening public protection and maintaining security and stability.
