Kuwait Abolishes Article 153 Of Penal Code, Ending Leniency For ‘Honour' Killings
Kuwait has abolished Article 153 of the 1960 Penal Code, which previously allowed reduced sentences for men who killed female relatives caught in adultery.
The move marks a major legal reform that ensures equal justice in murder cases.
Minister of Justice Nasser Al Sumait announced the repeal of the law, emphasising that such provisions have no place in a just legal system.
The abolished article stated: 'Whoever catches his wife in the act of adultery, or finds his daughter, mother, or sister in an indecent situation with a man, and immediately kills her, or the man, or both, shall be punished by imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years and a fine not exceeding three thousand dinars, or by one of these two penalties.'
Al Sumait asserted that Article 153 had no basis in Islamic law and was a discriminatory provision that undermined justice.
'It granted legal leniency to certain perpetrators of murder, violating fundamental human rights and drawing criticism from international human rights organisations,' he stated.
Following the repeal, such killings will now be prosecuted as murder, ensuring equal treatment under the law. Abolishing the article is key to advancing justice, gender equality, and aligning Kuwait's laws with international human rights standards.
Al Sumait pointed out that the explanatory memorandum states that the repeal aligns with the Constitution, specifically Article 29, which guarantees 'equality in human dignity, public rights, and duties, and prohibits discrimination based on gender, origin, language, or religion.'
Limiting this provision to men constituted gender-based discrimination, as it assumed only men experience such emotions, despite women having similar feelings. Additionally, reducing penalties for this crime may contribute to its prevalence.
The article also contradicted Kuwait's obligations under international agreements, particularly the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights establishes a common standard for states in defining and protecting rights. It affirms that all individuals are equal in rights, and both men and women are entitled to enjoy their rights without distinction based on race, color, or sex. It also guarantees equal rights in marriage, during marriage, and upon its dissolution.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
6 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Ambassador hails Saudi efforts in serving pilgrims
His Excellency Shaikh Ali bin Abdulrahman bin Ali Al Khalifa, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, participated in the annual reception held on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The reception was hosted by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia. The event was held in honour of heads of state, senior Islamic figures, guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, representatives of government entities, heads of Hajj delegations, and officials from the offices of Hajj affairs of the countries whose pilgrims performed Hajj this year. The Ambassador commended the efforts of the leadership, government and people of Saudi Arabia in serving pilgrims and facilitating the performance of Hajj and Umrah. He emphasised that these efforts are widely recognised and appreciated across the Islamic world. He highlighted the commitment of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to ensuring the safety, security and comfort of pilgrims, which enabled them to perform their rituals in a secure and reassuring environment. The Ambassador further commended the efforts of Bahrain's Supreme Committee for Hajj and Umrah Affairs.
Gulf Insider
12 hours ago
- Gulf Insider
Kuwait Raises Court Fees to Curb Rise in Frivolous Lawsuits
Kuwait has raised judicial fees for the first time in decades in a bid to reduce the number of frivolous and malicious lawsuits crowding its courts. The Cabinet approved the move last week, amending provisions of Law No. 17 of 1973 to increase the cost of accessing the country's judicial system. The new fee structure is intended to ensure that the right to litigation is exercised with seriousness, while also encouraging parties to pursue alternatives such as arbitration and conciliation. The reforms were approved during the Cabinet's weekly meeting, chaired by Sheikh Ahmed Al Abdullah. In the same session, the government endorsed additional legal amendments to protect Kuwait's education system, particularly during intermediate and secondary school examinations. Under revisions to the Penal Code, two new articles 259 bis and 259 bis A introduce stricter penalties for cheating-related offenses. The leaking, selling, or distribution of exam materials now carries penalties of up to five years in prison and fines of 1,000 to 5,000 Kuwaiti dinars. Unauthorised tampering with student exam papers or grades could result in up to seven years of imprisonment and fines of 5,000 to 10,000 dinars. The government said the amendments are aimed at preserving the credibility of Kuwait's academic institutions and ensuring fair competition among students. The changes come amid rising reports of exam-related misconduct, particularly during national testing periods. The Cabinet also reaffirmed its commitment to national development, vowing to accelerate key infrastructure projects and remove regulatory hurdles that threaten to delay implementation. Also read: Kuwait Ends 19-year Visa Ban on Pakistanis, Thousands of Jobs Ahead
Gulf Insider
14 hours ago
- Gulf Insider
Iran Extends Ban on Dog-walking for ‘public Order
Iranian authorities have expanded a ban on walking dogs in public to many cities nationwide, citing public health, social order and safety concerns, domestic media have reported. The ban, which echoes a 2019 police directive that barred walking dogs in Tehran, was expanded to Ilam city in the west on Sunday, according to reports. At least 17 other cities have introduced similar bans in recent days, including Isfahan in the centre and Kerman in the south. Owning and walking dogs has been a contentious subject since the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, though there is no law banning dog ownership outright. Many religious scholars, however, consider petting dogs or coming into contact with their saliva as najis , or ritually impure, while some officials view pet dogs as a symbol of western cultural influence. Local authorities have periodically introduced bans on walking dogs in public spaces or carrying them in vehicles as part of a wider campaign to discourage their ownership. Enforcing the restrictions has been inconsistent, as many owners continue to walk their dogs in Tehran and elsewhere across Iran. On Sunday, the reformist Etemad newspaper quoted an official from Ilam city as saying 'legal action will be taken against violators', without elaborating. On Saturday, the state newspaper Iran said the latest measures were aimed at 'maintaining public order, ensuring safety and protecting public health'. Abbas Najafi, the prosecutor of the western city of Hamedan, was quoted by the Iran newspaper, as saying: 'Dog walking is a threat to public health, peace and comfort.' In 2021, 75 lawmakers condemned pet ownership as a 'destructive social problem', saying it could 'gradually change the Iranian and Islamic way of life'. In 2017, Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said: 'Keeping dogs for reasons other than herding, hunting and guard dogs is considered reprehensible.' According to Tasnim news agency, Khamenei added: 'If this practice resembles that of non-Muslims, promotes their culture or causes harm and disturbance to neighbours, it is deemed forbidden.' Also read: Iran Furious At 'Racist' US Travel Ban Targeting Muslim Nations
