Kuwait sets conditions for release of prisoners after 20 years

09/03/2025

Kuwait sets conditions for release of prisoners after 20 years

KUWAIT CITY, March 9: The official Kuwait Alyom newspaper recently published Ministerial Resolution No. 397 of 2025, establishing a new committee called the “Committee for Following Up on the Conditions of Those Sentenced to Life Imprisonment.” This decision outlines the committee's responsibilities and powers regarding individuals sentenced to life imprisonment.

Under the resolution, the committee is empowered to:

- Review the cases of individuals sentenced to life imprisonment who have served at least 20 years in prison, assessing their eligibility for release if conditions are met.

- Examine the files of those serving life sentences and prepare a report on their condition for submission to the Minister of Interior and the Attorney General.

For individuals who have been incarcerated for 20 years or more, the following conditions must be satisfied for potential release:

- There must be a reason to trust the convict’s assessment of their rehabilitation.

- The individual must have demonstrated good conduct and behavior while in prison.
- Their release must not pose any threat to public security.

In addition, the Public Prosecutor may impose automated monitoring (electronic bracelet) for a period not exceeding five years on any individual granted release. The released person will also be subject to specific conditions, with a warning that failure to comply will result in the cancellation of their release. Conditional release decisions will be made by the Public Prosecutor based on the committee's evaluations of eligibility.

The committee is composed of the following members:

- A representative from the Public Prosecution Office, holding the rank of at least Public Prosecutor (President).

- Two additional members from the Public Prosecution Office.-
- The Director General of the General Department of Preventive Security, or their representative.
- The Director General of the General Department of Criminal Investigations, or their representative.
- The Director General of the General Administration of Correctional Institutions, or their representative.
- The Director General of the General Administration for the Enforcement of Judgments, or their representative.

- This decision will be effective from the date of issuance and will be published in the Official Gazette.

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Kuwait sets conditions for release of prisoners after 20 years

Kuwait forms new committee to review life imprisonment cases