Kuwait’s Misdemeanor Appeals Court has upheld the acquittal of a Criminal Security Sector officer accused of carrying a firearm in a prohibited area after a pistol and five live rounds were found in his travel bag at Kuwait International Airport.
Investigations found that the pistol had been officially assigned to the officer as part of his duties and that it was in the bag because of an unintentional oversight. Authorities found no evidence that he had deliberately concealed the weapon or attempted to bypass airport security screening procedures.
In its ruling, the court stated that the legal exemption allowing individuals whose professional duties require them to carry firearms is not restricted to periods when they are actively performing a specific assignment. It can also cover carrying and safeguarding a firearm entrusted to them as official property in connection with their duties.
Defence lawyer Fahad Al-Shammari argued that the elements of the alleged offence and criminal intent had not been established. He maintained that the pistol was an official service weapon and had not been carried for personal purposes.
The appeals court upheld the lower court’s acquittal, leaving the officer cleared of the charge.
