Latest news with #KuwaitiPenalCode
Arab Times
6 days ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait's New Fraud Tactic - She Never Bought a Phone, But Now Owes Thousands
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 11: At the departure lounge of Kuwait International Airport, a traveler believed his journey would begin uneventfully. His bags were packed, tickets in hand, and his domestic worker stood quietly behind him with the luggage cart. But the calm quickly dissolved into confusion when a passport officer approached them and halted their departure. The officer informed him that his domestic worker was barred from leaving the country due to an unresolved financial case. The traveler, shocked and unaware of any such issue, soon discovered the root of the problem: his employee's name had been used – without his knowledge – in fraudulent installment contracts for expensive smartphones and electronic devices. Speaking to the Arab Times newspaper, the traveler recounted: 'While completing our departure procedures, I was suddenly stopped by the passport officer and told me my maid had a financial case against her. I had no prior knowledge of this. Later, I discovered the contracts and the amount of money registered in her name, and realized she had been taken advantage of.' Through the newspaper, he appealed to the Ministry of Commerce and other relevant authorities to tighten oversight over installment-based sales and ensure that the identity and eligibility of buyers are thoroughly verified. He also highlighted a critical legal concern: under current regulations, sponsors may be held accountable for debts incurred by workers under their sponsorship. What seemed like a simple misunderstanding revealed a deeper, disturbing reality. The incident unraveled a sophisticated fraud scheme targeting domestic workers, orchestrated by organized criminal networks exploiting legal and financial loopholes. According to regulatory sources, these criminal groups prey on low-income expatriate workers, particularly domestic workers and drivers with limited legal knowledge. Meanwhile, Attorney Israa Al- Haddad confirmed that the activities of such networks fall under fraud and deception as defined by the Kuwaiti Penal Code. 'If it is proven that documents or signatures were manipulated, these actions could also qualify as forgery of customary documents,' she explained. Al-Haddad emphasized that sponsors have the right to pursue legal action for compensation due to both material and moral damages. She called for legislative reforms to enhance protection for domestic workers and advocated for educating the workers, warning workers against signing any documents without prior consultation with their sponsors. Sources speaking to the Arab Times newspaper warned that this tactic is becoming increasingly common, detailing how the organized gangs operate as follows: 1. Luring workers: Targeting domestic workers and drivers who lack legal knowledge. 2. Small financial inducement: Offering small sums (KD50-KD100) in exchange for signing contracts to purchase devices on installment. 3. Photographic documentation: Filming the victim while signing to prove 'seriousness of the contract' and prevent subsequent denial. 4. Immediate disposal: Selling phones and devices immediately at reduced prices, leaving the debts under the name of the victim
Arab Times
18-05-2025
- Arab Times
Young Man absolved in walkway quarrel
KUWAIT CITY, May 18: The Criminal Court acquitted a young man of intentionally injuring and threatening a citizen while they were on a sports walkway due to a lack of conclusive evidence. The Public Prosecution charged the defendant with intentionally causing harm to the victim, as described in the forensic medical report, which resulted in severe physical pain. He also insulted the victim in a public place by using the phrases described in the investigations, in full view of the public. He uttered threatening phrases described in the investigations to prevent the victim from calling for help during the assault, with the intent of instilling fear in him. Attorney Abdullah Al-Alanda appeared before the court and argued that the delay in reporting the case, the lack of any charges against his client, and the absence of any evidence other than the victim's statements and the investigations were insufficient to incriminate his client. Al-Alanda asserted that, concerning the crime stipulated in Article 173/1 of the Penal Code, the charge was not supported by material and moral elements like criminal intent, lack of evidence, and lack of evidence in the documents. It should be noted that the penalty stipulated by law in this case, if the charge is proven, is five years' imprisonment. Article 173 of the Kuwaiti Penal Code states that 'anyone who threatens a person with any harm, whatever it may be, shall be punished by death.' Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff
Kuwait Times
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait highlights women's rights gains 20 years after suffrage
UN lauds Kuwait's progress, urges further empowerment KUWAIT: Women across Kuwait marked twenty years since they secured full political rights on Thursday. Speaking at an event held the same day, Minister of Social Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah recognized the milestone, highlighting the influence of Kuwaiti women across various fields. 'Kuwaiti women have proven themselves as vital pillars of national development, achieving success that has placed them at the forefront of progress and contribution,' she said during a forum titled 'Strategies to Support Kuwaiti Women in Line with Sustainable Development Goal 5,' held in collaboration with the UN office in Kuwait on Thursday. Today, Kuwaiti women make up 60 percent of the public sector workforce, 48 percent in the private sector, and 28 percent of leadership roles in state institutions, Al-Huwailah noted. In traditionally male-dominated sectors, they're also making strides—54 percent of employees at the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation are women, and 41 percent of leadership roles at the Central Bank of Kuwait are held by women. These gains haven't gone unnoticed. Kuwait's global ranking on the Women, Peace, and Security Index has risen to 62nd, and the gender gap has narrowed by ten points. Kuwait also became the first Gulf country to adopt the Women's Empowerment Principles in 2023, setting a new benchmark for the region. Laws amendments But progress isn't just about numbers. Al-Huwailah pointed to recent key legislative reforms that dismantled systemic injustice, including the recent repeal of Articles 153 and 182 of the Kuwaiti Penal Code. Article 153 had effectively legalized honor killings, allowing men to receive minimal sentences for murdering female relatives under the guise of 'protecting family honor.' Article 182 had let kidnappers, rapists included, walk free if they married their victims. The abolition of these laws was a turning point, aligning Kuwait's legal framework with constitutional guarantees of justice, equality and human dignity. Ghada Al-Taher, UN Resident Coordinator and Representative of the Secretary-General, emphasized that Kuwait's progress is being recognized internationally. During the 2025 Universal Periodic Review (UPR), the Human Rights Council commended the country for policies aimed at protecting women from violence, promoting economic independence, and expanding women's decision-making power. Education has become a powerful lever for transformation in Kuwait. According to UNESCO's 2024 data, Kuwait has nearly eradicated female illiteracy, with more women enrolling in STEM fields than ever before—positions that are vital to building a knowledge-driven economy. Women leaders In business, Kuwaiti women are reshaping the narrative. With state-backed initiatives supporting women entrepreneurs, more women now lead successful ventures. Some have gained international recognition, including Dr Faiza Al-Kharafi, the first woman to lead a university in the Middle East, and Sara Akbar, who was instrumental in extinguishing Kuwait's oil well fires after liberation. Both have been named among Forbes' 100 Most Powerful Women in the World, alongside others who continue to break ground in business, science, and public service. She also highlighted ongoing efforts to empower women with disabilities, with the Public Authority for Persons with Disabilities pushing initiatives to integrate this group into the workforce and provide access to specialized support. Despite these gains, Al-Taher acknowledged that deep-rooted challenges remain. 'We can't ignore the societal barriers that still prevent women and girls from fully realizing their potential,' she said. 'Achieving full empowerment requires relentless commitment—not just from the state but from every sector.' The UN reaffirmed its pledge to support Kuwait in reviewing legislation, expanding women-focused programs, and driving initiatives that place women at the center of national development—steps crucial to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 and ensuring no woman or girl is left behind.
Arab Times
02-04-2025
- Arab Times
Kidnap, sexual assault of minors could lead to death, life in prison
KUWAIT CITY, April 2: Lawyer Jassim Bandar says sexual assault is a sensitive and controversial issue within Kuwaiti society, as it violates human rights and dignity, and leads to severe psychological and physical consequences for the victims. He stressed that the sexual assault of a minor is one of the most heinous crimes, as it not only harms the child's body but also negatively impacts their development and mental health. As a result, the Kuwaiti Penal Code imposes heavy penalties on those who commit such offenses. Lawyer Bandar explained that the penalty for kidnapping a child without deception or force is a maximum prison sentence. However, the penalty increases if the kidnapping is for ransom. If the kidnapping involves sexual assault, the punishment may be death or life imprisonment. The penalty is more severe if the kidnapping is carried out using force or coercion.
