KUWAIT CITY, Nov 27: Director of the General Department of Correctional Institutions Brigadier Fahd Al-Obaid revealed that there are currently 6,500 inmates in Kuwaiti prisons, including 1,000 expatriates in the deportation prison awaiting repatriation. He indicated that around 200 inmates will benefit from the electronic cuff project as soon as it is implemented. Brigadier Al-Obaid explained that the General Department of Correctional Institutions is preparing for the electronic cuff program, which will be applied to select inmates in coordination with the Aftercare Department. This initiative is part of the Minister of Justice’s project to release certain inmates under specific terms and conditions.

The department is awaiting approval from the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, and Minister of Defense Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef to implement the project. Brigadier Al-Obaid said the number of beneficiaries of the electronic cuff program was previously limited to those sentenced to three years or less, based on standards set by the Public Prosecution. However, this eligibility will now expand to include inmates with sentences of up to five years, covering both criminal and misdemeanor cases. He indicated that individuals convicted of drug-related offenses will not be eligible for the electronic cuff.

Brigadier Al-Obaid said it is anticipated that between 150 and 200 inmates will benefit from the expanded program once the law is published in the official gazette, with the implementation set to begin a month after its publication. He explained that the General Department of Correctional Institutions is currently preparing the files of those who qualify for the Amiri pardon, with plans to submit their names to the relevant committee. While there are approximately 6,500 inmates, only around 3,000 are expected to meet the conditions for pardon. The Amiri Pardon Committee will review each file individually, and reject those who do not meet the required criteria.