News developments
Kuwait: Draft Law to Fast‑Track Terrorism and State‑Security Cases
Arab Times, 25 March 2026: Kuwait’s Ministry of Justice introduces a draft decree‑law creating specialised courts to expedite terrorism and state‑security cases while preserving judicial safeguards.
The Ministry has reviewed delays in high‑risk cases before proposing a new judicial structure dedicated to internal and external security offences. Under the draft, litigation will be limited to two stages: an initial hearing before a specialised criminal court at the Court of First Instance, followed by a single appeal before a specialised chamber at the Court of Appeal. Decisions issued at the appeal stage will be final and not subject to further challenge.
Only Kuwaiti judges will preside over these matters, and the specialised courts will hold exclusive authority to review and renew pretrial detention orders. The draft further requires existing courts to transfer all pending terrorism‑related and state‑security cases to the new specialised circuits for completion. Officials stated that the initiative is intended to enhance national security, streamline proceedings, and ensure that sensitive cases are handled efficiently within a focused judicial framework.
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