KUWAIT CITY, Jan 8: The Criminal Court has acquitted two defendants accused of setting fire and stealing from the Kuwait Municipality’s marine boat impoundment garage by climbing over its fence at night. The Public Prosecution charged the first and second defendants with deliberately setting fire to movable items stored in the Kuwait Municipality impoundment garage, causing property damage. They were also accused of attempting to steal items from the state-owned garage, which is enclosed by a fence. The defendants allegedly gained access by scaling the fence at night but were apprehended after a fire broke out during the crime, thwarting their plans. A third defendant was charged with conspiring with the first two defendants in the theft attempt. The case stemmed from statements made by detectives, who reported that the three defendants had planned to steal items from a boat located in the Abdullah Port area, specifically within the Kuwait Municipality Impoundment Garage. The site was described as a fenced dirt lot. According to the investigation, the first and second defendants entered the area by climbing the outer fence. They began dismantling the “transmission” from the boat using tools they had brought. During the process, a spark ignited, causing the boat to catch fire. The pair then fled the scene, while the third defendant waited outside to receive the stolen items, which he intended to purchase from them for resale and profit. Defense attorney Ali Haidar, representing the acquitted defendants, argued that the charges against his client were baseless. He highlighted inconsistencies in witness testimony, asserting that unsupported statements could not be used as evidence for conviction. The court found the testimony insufficient and cleared the defendants of all charges

By Jaber Al-Hamoud/Munif Naif
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff