Kuwait recorded a significant decline in kidnapping cases during the first half of 2026, with cases registered before the Public Prosecution falling 45.5% compared with the same period last year. Minister of Justice Counselor Nasser Yousef Al-Sumait said the number of kidnapping cases dropped from 99 in the first half of 2025 to 54 during the same period this year. Crimes involving honour and reputation also fell by 28%, from 168 to 121 cases.
The statistics showed declines across several serious offences. Cases of indecent assault by force, threat or deception fell by 50%, from 76 to 38, while rape cases decreased by 26.3% and non-consensual indecent assault declined by 30%. Kidnapping of children under custody rights fell by 45.3%, while kidnapping by force with the intent to cause harm dropped by 64.3%.
Al-Sumait linked the figures to ongoing reforms to Kuwait’s penal system and stronger legal protections. Among the key reforms was the repeal of Article 182 of the Penal Code, which previously provided a legal exception in certain kidnapping cases involving marriage. The new Domestic Violence Protection Law has also strengthened protections for vulnerable groups, including children and people with limited legal capacity. The government, he said, remains committed to reviewing criminal and procedural laws to strengthen rights, freedoms and the rule of law.
