Kuwait’s Acting Prime Minister announced a reform reducing life sentences to 20 years, replacing permanent hard labor. A committee will assess eligible inmates three months before their term’s end. This initiative highlights Kuwait’s commitment to enhancing rehabilitation within its correctional system.
On March 7, 2025, His Excellency Sheikh Fahd Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, the Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, announced a significant reform in Kuwait’s penal system, reducing life sentences to a maximum of 20 years. This change replaces the previous life imprisonment term that included hard labor and aims to enhance rehabilitation efforts among inmates.
In line with this reform, a specialized committee will be established to review the cases of inmates serving life sentences, starting three months prior to the completion of their 20-year terms. Additionally, Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef urged leaders of correctional institutions to expedite the assessment of eligible inmates for potential sentence reconsideration.
This initiative is part of a broader vision to improve correctional reform and rehabilitation in Kuwait’s justice system. Sheikh Fahd emphasized the importance of balancing justice enforcement with providing inmates an opportunity to rebuild their lives and successfully reintegrate into society.
During his visit to the Central Prison, His Excellency shared breakfast with inmates and their families, highlighting the Ministry of Interior’s commitment to policies that enable reform while still serving as appropriate punishment. This announcement signifies Kuwait’s intention to promote a modernized and more rehabilitative approach to incarceration for the benefit of its society.
Kuwait’s recent decision to reduce life sentences to 20 years reflects a significant shift towards a rehabilitative justice system. The establishment of a committee to evaluate inmates’ cases prior to their 20-year term completion further emphasizes the dedication to reform. This initiative demonstrates the balance between justice and rehabilitation, aligning with Kuwait’s broader vision of enhancing its correctional system.
Original Source: www.arabtimesonline.com
