Kuwait establishes special Prosecution for state security and terror financing cases

2026-03-30 - 10:03

Attorney General Counselor Saad Al-Safran has issued Decision No. (107) of 2026 establishing a special prosecution under the name “State Security Crimes, Terrorism and Terrorism Financing Prosecution,” as part of ongoing efforts to modernize the criminal justice system and enhance the efficiency of addressing offences that threaten national security and societal stability. In a statement issued on Monday, the Public Prosecution said the new body will be directly affiliated with the Attorney General’s Office and will be composed of a director, a deputy director, and a sufficient number of Public Prosecution members. It will hold exclusive jurisdiction to investigate and prepare cases for referral and disposal in crimes affecting the entity of the state, its security, and stability, reports Al-Qabas daily. The jurisdiction of the new prosecution covers offences related to internal and external state security as stipulated under Law No. (31) of 1970 amending certain provisions of the Penal Code No. (16) of 1960. It also includes terrorism-related offences under Decree-Law No. (47) of 2026, as well as terrorism financing crimes outlined in Law No. (106) of 2013 on combating money laundering and terrorism financing. In addition, its mandate extends to offences under Decree-Law No. (13) of 2026 on safeguarding the supreme interests of military authorities, alongside international crimes including genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression, in accordance with Decree-Law No. (156) of 2025 issuing the Law on Combating International Crimes. The Public Prosecution noted that this reflects Kuwait’s leading position in humanitarian and legal efforts at both regional and international levels. The decision further authorizes the new prosecution to assess and review requests related to terrorist risk and provide legal opinions thereon prior to submission to the Attorney General. It will also be tasked with preparing specialized studies and issuing awareness materials within its jurisdiction. It stressed the importance of regulating the registration of cases and requests under clearly defined categories, while mandating relevant administrative bodies to support the prosecution’s work. The decision takes immediate effect, with all relevant cases to be transferred accordingly, while existing prosecutions will continue handling their current cases unless otherwise directed. The Public Prosecution affirmed that this step reinforces the institutional framework for confronting state security crimes, terrorism and its financing, international crimes, and protecting military interests, in line with legislative advancements aimed at ensuring speed, efficiency, and the delivery of justice.