A protest was organized at Al-Erada Square, in front of the National Assembly, two days after a shocking incident where a Kuwaiti woman, Farah Akbar, was stabbed to death by the man who was stalking her, but was released on bail despite two cases for harassment which followed her family’s alleged refusal to his marriage proposal, Al Rai daily reported.
The protest aimed to highlight the heinousness of the crime, and demanded protection for women, with a parliamentary approach to study the crime and the situation, and to also come up with a comprehensive plan so such crimes are not repeated.
The protestors were dressed in black and raising signs that read ‘blood on your hands’, ‘end gender-based violence’ and ‘do we have to die in front of you for you to hear us’. Many people expressed sadness over the death of Akbar and urged for better protection for women against violence. They also called for realistic plans to protect the dignity, provide security and preserve privacy of women, while calling for tightening measures against anyone who poses a threat to others.
There has been a renewed emphasis on confronting such crimes with strong deterrent punishments.
Experts in the field of human rights and law are preparing to suggest a draft of a special law to protect victims, by outlining a legal and regulatory framework so as to not leave the matter with the investigation authorities.
MPs renewed the demand for urgent punishment as a top priority for the heinous crime, while looking for a clear and systematic mechanism to study the growing problem of murders, because such crimes had worsened. Many bemoaned that it is no longer possible to ignore the issue without finding a solution, especially since there are many who violate the laws and a laxity in upholding the laws that has been significantly lax in the past few years.
A human rights source revealed that “a study is currently underway to prepare a special law to protect the victim, after the crime revealed legal deficiencies that must be addressed and bridge gaps to ensure that the crime does not reoccur,” indicating that “despite the in-depth legislation and laws In Kuwait, there is no special law to protect the victim through the legally established means.”
The source added that “the new law will ensure the protection of victims and assist the public authorities in combating crime.”
He stressed that “there are many countries that have a law to protect victims, witnesses and whistleblowers, but unfortunately there is no such law in Kuwait.”
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