KUWAIT CITY, June 26: The Public Prosecution in Kuwait is making significant strides towards achieving justice, fulfilling its responsibilities in filing public lawsuits, ensuring the application of criminal laws, prosecuting the guilty, and implementing criminal rulings. These efforts are integral to maintaining public security and societal stability.

The "Annual Statistical Book," prepared by the Statistics and Research Department of the Information Technology and Statistics Sector at the Ministry of Justice and published by Al-Anbaa, reveals that 2023 saw a rise in the total number of incoming cases, both misdemeanors, and felonies, while witnessing a decrease in several serious crimes. This comprehensive report serves as a valuable resource for specialists, researchers, and those interested in detailed legal statistics.

Increase in Incoming Cases

The report indicates that the total number of incoming cases increased from 34,373 in 2022 to 41,886 in 2023, marking a 21.9% rise.

Misdemeanor Cases

Misdemeanor cases saw a notable increase from 23,414 in 2022 to 30,798 in 2023, a 31.5% rise, driven by the following categories:

• Environmental Misdemeanors: Increased from 3,585 in 2022 to 9,627 in 2023 (168.5% rise).
• Drug Addiction Cases: Rose from 949 in 2022 to 1,355 in 2023 (42.8% rise).
• Information Technology Cases: Went up from 2,814 in 2022 to 3,725 in 2023 (32.4% rise).
• Misdemeanor Check Cases: Increased from 2,362 in 2022 to 2,792 in 2023 (18.2% rise).
• Misdemeanor Trade Cases: Increased from 9,829 in 2022 to 11,438 in 2023 (16.4% rise).

However, juvenile misdemeanor cases decreased from 3,875 in 2022 to 1,861 in 2023, a 52.0% drop.

Criminal Cases

Criminal cases saw a slight increase from 10,959 in 2022 to 11,088 in 2023, a 1.2% rise, primarily due to the increase in bank crime cases from 3,680 in 2022 to 3,870 in 2023 (5.2% rise).

Decrease in Serious Crimes

The total number of serious crimes decreased in 2023 compared to the previous year:

• Murder and Assault Crimes: Dropped from 907 in 2022 to 663 in 2023 (26.9% decrease).
• Assault on Property: Decreased from 1,823 in 2022 to 1,623 in 2023 (11.0% decrease).
• Assault on Honor and Reputation: Reduced from 363 in 2022 to 326 in 2023 (10.2% decrease).
• Kidnapping, Arrest, and Detention: Declined from 383 in 2022 to 353 in 2023 (7.8% decrease).
• Drug and Psychotropic Substance Crimes: Slight decrease from 2,716 in 2022 to 2,695 in 2023 (0.8% decrease).

Cases by Prosecution Office

The report also detailed cases received by various prosecution offices:

• Commercial Affairs Prosecution: Received the highest number of cases at 8,014 (19.1%).
• Farwaniyah Prosecution: Followed with 6,286 cases (15.0%).
• Capital Prosecution: Handled 4,245 cases (10.1%).
• Juvenile Prosecution: Managed 4,112 cases (9.8%).
• Drugs and Alcohol Prosecution: Processed 4,020 cases (9.6%).

Disposed of Cases

The total number of disposed misdemeanor and felony cases increased from 30,230 in 2022 to 35,048 in 2023 (15.9% rise). This includes:

• Misdemeanor Cases: Increased from 21,476 in 2022 to 25,172 in 2023 (17.2% rise).
• Felony Cases: Rose from 8,754 in 2022 to 9,876 in 2023 (12.8% rise).

Statistical Measures

The annual average of cases received by the Public Prosecution was 26,531 during 2019-2023, while the average number of disposed cases was 23,984.

Future Expectations

The report projects an annual average of 44,581 incoming cases and 37,754 disposed cases during 2024-2028, with a high level of reliability (95%).

These findings underscore the ongoing efforts and achievements of Kuwait's Public Prosecution in maintaining justice and public security amidst a dynamic legal landscape.