In a significant step toward reforming Kuwait’s penal system, His Excellency Sheikh Fahd Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, the Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, has issued an order reducing life sentences to a maximum of 20 years. This directive follows the instructions of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and replaces the previous policy of life imprisonment with permanent hard labor.

To facilitate the transition, Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef has directed the establishment of a specialized committee to review the cases of inmates serving life sentences. The committee will assess eligible cases three months before prisoners complete their 20-year term.

Authorities overseeing correctional institutions have been instructed to expedite the evaluation and listing of qualified inmates for early release consideration. This move is part of Kuwait’s broader vision to enhance rehabilitation and reintegration programs.

Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef emphasized that the initiative aims to balance justice enforcement with rehabilitation, ensuring that inmates have the opportunity to reintegrate into society after serving their reduced sentence. The Ministry of Interior remains committed to correctional policies that focus on both punishment and reform.

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

This reduction in life sentences aligns with Kuwait’s efforts to modernize its judicial system and adopt a more rehabilitative approach to incarceration. By prioritizing reform and reintegration, Kuwait continues to evolve its policies to reflect global best practices in criminal justice.