Kuwait reports 53.2 percent drop in assault cases in first half of 2026
- Cases involving premeditated murder and attempted murder fell 7.7 percent, from 26 to 24
- Suicide and attempted suicide cases also declined by 44.3 percent, from 61 to 34.
- Felony assault cases involving severe bodily harm fell 62.5 percent, from 16 cases to six.
Cases of assault against persons registered with Kuwait’s Public Prosecution fell by 53.2 percent during the first half of 2026 compared with the same period last year, Justice Minister Counselor Nasser Al-Sumait said.
According to Ministry of Justice statistics, the number of cases dropped from 607 in the first half of 2025 to 284 during the first six months of 2026.
Al-Sumait said the decline was reflected across several categories of offences. Cases involving premeditated murder and attempted murder fell 7.7 percent, from 26 to 24.
Assault misdemeanors recorded a sharper decline of 63.6 percent, falling from 376 cases to 137, while cases involving threats of murder or harm decreased 43.4 percent, from 99 to 56.
Cases of suicide and attempted suicide also declined by 44.3 percent, from 61 to 34. Felony assault cases involving severe bodily harm fell 62.5 percent, from 16 cases to six.
Penal system undergoes reforms
Al-Sumait said the government has continued to strengthen Kuwait’s penal system through a series of legislative reforms approved during 2025 and 2026.
Among the changes was the repeal of Article 153 of the Penal Code, which previously provided a mitigating legal excuse in certain cases involving a man who killed his wife or female relative after catching her in the act of adultery.
Article 159, which provided a mitigating excuse in cases involving a mother who killed her newborn immediately after birth to avoid shame, was also repealed.
The reforms further introduced tougher penalties for manslaughter and accidental injury and criminalized the possession of bladed weapons in public places without legitimate justification. Penalties were also increased for using such weapons in assault or intimidation.
The legislative changes included a new law protecting against domestic violence, while waivers and reconciliation were prohibited in cases involving children assaulting their parents and offences committed against children and people lacking legal capacity.
Al-Sumait said the Ministry of Justice would continue monitoring crime statistics and assessing the impact of legislative reforms, while working to further develop the penal system and strengthen public protection, security and stability.
