Decline in Self-Harm Cases

Justice Minister and Legal Advisor Nasser Al-Sameet announced that statistics from the Ministry of Justice regarding cases registered before the Public Prosecution showed a 53.2% decline in cases of assault on the person in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, with the total number of cases dropping from 607 to 284.

Advisor Al-Sameet told KUNA that a breakdown of the cases revealed a 7.7% decrease in intentional homicide and attempted homicide cases, falling from 26 to 24 cases. Misdemeanor assault cases also dropped by 63.6%, from 376 to 137 cases, while cases involving threats of killing or causing harm decreased by 43.4%, from 99 to 56 cases.

He added that suicide cases and attempts thereof declined by 44.3%, from 61 to 34 cases, and felony assaults causing severe bodily pain fell by 62.5%, from 16 cases to six.

In a related development, he noted that the government continued to develop the penal system through a package of legislative amendments approved during 2025 and 2026. These included the repeal of Article 153 of the Penal Code, which previously granted a mitigating legal excuse to a man who killed his wife or one of his female mahrams upon catching her in the act of adultery, and the repeal of Article 159, which provided a mitigating excuse for a mother who killed her newborn immediately after birth to avoid shame. The amendments also strengthened penalties for negligent homicide and negligent injury, criminalized the possession of white weapons in public places without legitimate justification, and increased penalties for their use in assaults or acts of intimidation.

Advisor Al-Sameet further stated that the reforms included the issuance of a new law on protection from domestic violence, and the prohibition of waiving claims or reaching settlements in cases involving assaults by children against their parents, as well as crimes committed against children and individuals with diminished or lost legal capacity.

The Minister of Justice emphasized that the ministry would continue to monitor statistical indicators and evaluate the impact of legislative reforms, working to develop the penal system in a manner that enhances community protection and maintains security and stability.

For more details: 7.7% drop in intentional homicide and attempted homicide cases; 63.6% drop in misdemeanor assault cases. Justice Minister: 53.2% decline in assault on the person cases during the first half of 2026.

Justice Minister and Legal Advisor Nasser Al-Sameet announced that statistics from the Ministry of Justice regarding cases registered before the Public Prosecution showed a 53.2% decline in cases of assault on the person in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, with the total number of cases dropping from 607 to 284. Advisor Al-Sameet told KUNA that a breakdown of the cases revealed a 7.7% decrease in intentional homicide and attempted homicide cases, falling from 26 to 24 cases. Misdemeanor assault cases also dropped by 63.6%, from 376 to 137 cases, while cases involving threats of killing or causing harm decreased by 43.4%, from 99 to 56 cases. He added that suicide cases and attempts thereof declined by 44.3%, from 61 to 34 cases, and felony assaults causing severe bodily pain fell by 62.5%, from 16 cases to six. In a related development, he noted that the government continued to develop the penal system through a package of legislative amendments approved during 2025 and 2026. These included the repeal of Article 153 of the Penal Code, which previously granted a mitigating legal excuse to a man who killed his wife or one of his female mahrams upon catching her in the act of adultery, and the repeal of Article 159, which provided a mitigating excuse for a mother who killed her newborn immediately after birth to avoid shame. The amendments also strengthened penalties for negligent homicide and negligent injury, criminalized the possession of white weapons in public places without legitimate justification, and increased penalties for their use in assaults or acts of intimidation. Advisor Al-Sameet further stated that the reforms included the issuance of a new law on protection from domestic violence, and the prohibition of waiving claims or reaching settlements in cases involving assaults by children against their parents, as well as crimes committed against children and individuals with diminished or lost legal capacity. The Minister of Justice emphasized that the ministry would continue to monitor statistical indicators and evaluate the impact of legislative reforms, working to develop the penal system in a manner that enhances community protection and maintains security and stability.