KUWAIT CITY, Mar 7: In line with the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Excellency Sheikh Fahd Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, the Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, has issued an order to reduce life sentences to 20 years. This replaces the previous policy of life imprisonment with permanent hard labor.

His Excellency also instructed the formation of a specialized committee to review the cases of inmates serving life sentences three months before the completion of their 20-year term. Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef urged the leaders of correctional institutions and sentence enforcement authorities to expedite the listing and evaluation of eligible inmates.

This initiative aligns with Kuwait’s broader vision to enhance reform and rehabilitation efforts within its correctional system. Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef emphasized that the directive seeks to strike a balance between enforcing justice and providing inmates with an opportunity to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society after serving their sentences.

The Minister highlighted that the Ministry of Interior, through its correctional institutions, is committed to ensuring that sentencing policies not only serve as punishment but also contribute to the reform and rehabilitation of inmates.

The announcement was made during His Excellency’s visit to the Central Prison, where he shared breakfast with inmates and their families. He was welcomed by Brigadier General Fahd Al-Ubaid, Director General of Correctional Institutions, along with several senior officials.

This move underscores Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to modernize its justice system and promote a more rehabilitative approach to incarceration.