KUWAIT: Justice Minister Nasser Al-Sumait said the Cabinet approved on Tuesday a draft decree-law to abolish article 182 of the penal code, which stipulates “exempting a kidnapper from punishment if he marries the person he kidnapped”.

In a statement to KUNA following the Cabinet’s weekly meeting, he explained that the draft decree-law reflects Kuwait’s commitment to strengthening the protection of rights and freedoms, and upholding the principles of human dignity derived from Islamic sharia, in line with international conventions — foremost among them the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

He clarified that repealing article 182 of the penal code demonstrates Kuwait’s determination to deter perpetrators of abduction crimes and reject any justification for evading criminal accountability. It also promotes the principles of justice and fairness in line with modern legislative developments and reinforces the protection of victims from any social pressure that may undermine their fundamental rights.

“The repeal of article 182 of the penal code is part of broader legislative reforms aimed at enhancing victim protection and reinforcing the principle that crimes cannot be justified by violating basic human rights,” Al-Sumait added. Article 182 of the penal code previously stated: “If the kidnapper marries the person he kidnapped in a legitimate marriage with the consent of her guardian, and the guardian requests that the kidnapper not be punished, then no penalty shall be imposed.”

During its weekly meeting, the Cabinet also ordered state departments to conduct a review of the fees for public services they provide in proportion to their costs. The Cabinet instructed each department to coordinate with the finance ministry for the reevaluation and submit its review report within two months. The Cabinet also decided to suspend “exceptional bonuses” paid to state officials starting from May 1, 2025.

The Cabinet also decided the Eid Al-Adha holiday in Kuwait’s public sector will be on June 5-9, 2025. The holiday starts on Arafat Day, which falls on Thursday, June 5, 2025, followed by three days of Eid Al-Adha on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, while Monday, June 9, 2025 will be given a day off to compensate for the Friday break. Work resumes in the public sector on June 10, 2025, the Cabinet added.— KUNA