Minister of Justice: Kidnapping cases down by 45.5% and crimes against honor and reputation by 28% over six months

Justice Minister and Advisor Nasser Al-Sumait announced that the Ministry’s statistics on cases registered before the Public Prosecution showed a 45.5% decline in kidnapping cases during the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, with the total number of cases dropping from 99 to 54. Crimes against honor and reputation also fell by 28%, decreasing from 168 cases to 121.

Advisor Al-Sumait told KUNA that the statistics revealed a decline in several serious crimes related to violations of liberty and honor. Crimes of indecent assault by force, threat, or deception decreased by 50%, from 76 cases to 38. He added that rape by force declined by 26.3%, and indecent assault of persons lacking capacity fell by 30%. Additionally, child abduction by individuals with custody rights dropped by 45.3%, and kidnapping by force with intent to cause harm decreased by 64.3%.

He clarified that these indicators coincide with ongoing efforts to develop the penal system and strengthen legal protection for society. Among the key legislative reforms in this regard was the repeal of Article 182 of the Penal Code, which previously allowed for non-punishment of a kidnapper if he married the abducted woman in a Sharia-compliant marriage with the guardian’s consent and the guardian requested leniency. This legal excuse has now been abolished, thereby enhancing accountability for perpetrators of such crimes.

He noted that the new Law on Protection from Domestic Violence has strengthened penal protection for groups most vulnerable to abuse. The law prohibits withdrawing complaints, reaching settlements with the abuser, or granting pardons in cases of sexual assault and domestic violence crimes committed against children, persons lacking or partially lacking legal capacity, as well as violence committed by children against one of their parents.

The Minister of Justice affirmed that the government continues to implement the National Plan for updating the legislative system and reviewing penal and procedural laws to enhance the protection of rights and freedoms and to consolidate security and the rule of law.