Kuwait expands legal framework against terrorist acts with harsher penalties

2026-03-17 - 16:53

Kuwait issues Decree Laws No. 47 and 13 of 2026 to strengthen national security and protect military interests. The anti-terrorism law defines terrorist acts broadly and imposes strict penalties, including life imprisonment and the death penalty. Legislation criminalizes attacks on civilians, vital facilities, and diplomatic missions, while incentivizing voluntary cooperation with authorities. The Public Prosecution affirmed that the issuance of Decree Law No. (47) of 2026 on combating terrorism and Decree Law No. (13) of 2026 on securing and protecting the supreme interests of military authorities reflects Kuwait’s commitment to preserving national security, stability, and its readiness to address contemporary security threats. Fahd Al-Mutairi, a member of the technical office at the Public Prosecution, stated during a media briefing that the decrees, published in the official gazette (Kuwait Alyawm), are effective immediately. He noted that the laws respond to evolving threats, which are increasingly organized, complex, and cross-border in nature, requiring an integrated legal framework that combines prevention, deterrence, and protection. Al-Mutairi explained that the legislation was developed through coordination among the ministries of Justice, Interior, Foreign Affairs, and the Public Prosecution, reflecting unified national efforts to address security challenges. Regarding the decree on combating terrorism, he highlighted that it provides a modern framework defining “terrorist acts” to include attacks on individuals, national assets, public facilities, transportation (land, sea, or air), or cybersecurity, whenever the intent is to spread terror, disrupt societal security, or influence authorities. The law distinguishes between “terrorist organizations”, “terrorists”, and “terrorist threats”, extending its application to acts committed inside or outside Kuwait if they impact national security or interests. Penalties are significantly increased, reaching life imprisonment or the death penalty in some cases. Attempted crimes are treated equivalently to completed ones, failure to report or assist perpetrators is criminalized, and incentives are provided for voluntary cooperation, including immunity for reporting or helping prevent crimes before they occur. The law also criminalizes acts including attacks on vital facilities or diplomatic missions, participation in terrorist organizations, recruiting or coercing others to join them, communicating with terrorist entities, receiving or providing terrorist training, and entering or attempting to enter Kuwait with the intent to carry out terrorist acts. These measures underscore Kuwait’s proactive approach to safeguarding its citizens, institutions, and military authorities against contemporary security threats. Kuwait issues Decree Laws No. 47 and 13 of 2026 to strengthen national security and protect military interests. The anti-terrorism law defines terrorist acts broadly and imposes strict penalties, including life imprisonment and the death penalty. Legislation criminalizes attacks on civilians, vital facilities, and diplomatic missions, while incentivizing voluntary cooperation with authorities.