Latest news with #NasserAlSumait
Gulf Insider
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Insider
Kuwait Abolishes Law Allowing Kidnappers To Escape Punishment By Marrying Their Victims
Kuwait has approved a draft law to abolish Article 182 of the Penal Code, which previously allowed a kidnapper to escape punishment if he legally married his victim with the consent of her guardian. The decision was announced by Minister of Justice Nasser Al Sumait following the Cabinet's weekly meeting on Tuesday. He confirmed that the Cabinet had approved the draft decree-law as part of ongoing efforts to align national legislation with both Islamic Sharia principles and international human rights conventions. 'This step reflects Kuwait's commitment to strengthening the protection of rights and freedoms, and upholding the principles of human dignity,' Al Sumait stated. He cited the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women as key frameworks supporting this reform. He explained that repealing Article 182 underscores the government's determination to deter crimes of abduction and eliminate any legal justification that could allow perpetrators to evade criminal accountability. The move also helps safeguard victims from social pressure that may compromise their rights or compel them into unwanted outcomes. Al Sumait added, 'The repeal of Article 182 is part of broader legislative reforms aimed at enhancing victim protection and reinforcing the principle that crimes cannot be legitimised by violating basic human rights.' The now-repealed article previously read: 'If the kidnapper marries the person he kidnapped in a legitimate marriage with the consent of her guardian, and the guardian requests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.'
Gulf News
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Gulf News
Kuwait abolishes law allowing kidnappers to escape punishment by marrying their victims
Dubai: Kuwait has approved a draft law to abolish Article 182 of the Penal Code, which previously allowed a kidnapper to escape punishment if he legally married his victim with the consent of her guardian. The decision was announced by Minister of Justice Nasser Al Sumait following the Cabinet's weekly meeting on Tuesday. He confirmed that the Cabinet had approved the draft decree-law as part of ongoing efforts to align national legislation with both Islamic Sharia principles and international human rights conventions. 'This step reflects Kuwait's commitment to strengthening the protection of rights and freedoms, and upholding the principles of human dignity,' Al Sumait stated. He cited the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women as key frameworks supporting this reform. He explained that repealing Article 182 underscores the government's determination to deter crimes of abduction and eliminate any legal justification that could allow perpetrators to evade criminal accountability. The move also helps safeguard victims from social pressure that may compromise their rights or compel them into unwanted outcomes. Al Sumait added, 'The repeal of Article 182 is part of broader legislative reforms aimed at enhancing victim protection and reinforcing the principle that crimes cannot be legitimised by violating basic human rights.'
Gulf Insider
17-03-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Insider
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.
Daily Tribune
15-02-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Kuwait Raises Minimum Marriage Age to 18 to Protect Children's Rights and Strengthen Family Stability
Email : Kuwait has officially raised the minimum age for marriage to 18, following a series of legislative amendments aimed at protecting children's rights and ensuring greater family stability, announced Minister of Justice Nasser Al Sumait. The government has finalized changes to Article 26 of Personal Status Law No. 51/1984 and Article 15 of Jaafari Personal Status Law No. 124/2019, making it illegal for any marriage to take place before the age of 18. This significant move aligns with Kuwait's international obligations under key conventions, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. In his announcement, Al Sumait highlighted alarming statistics on child marriage in the country. A total of 1,145 underage marriages were registered in 2024, with 1,079 involving girls and 66 involving boys. The minister emphasized that this legal reform is consistent with Kuwait's constitutional commitment to protecting families and children. Article 9 of the Constitution designates the family as "the foundation of society" and mandates the state's protection of motherhood and childhood, while Article 10 reinforces the government's duty to prevent the exploitation and neglect of minors. Al Sumait explained that raising the marriage age is a crucial step in safeguarding young people, reducing divorce rates, and promoting overall family stability. Research also indicates that divorce rates among minors are twice as high as those among adults, further highlighting the need for this legislative change to ensure that individuals reach emotional and social maturity before entering marriage. This reform marks a significant shift in Kuwait's approach to child protection and family well-being, underscoring the government's commitment to upholding human rights and promoting a stronger, healthier society.
