Court of Cassation: Sentences of imprisonment and overturning of acquittals issued for former MPs and activists

The First Chamber of the Court of Cassation, presided over by Advisor Sultan Nuh Bursali, issued judicial rulings annulling acquittals and imposing prison sentences on several defendants, including former members of parliament and activists, in a number of cases related to challenging the rights and authorities of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait and broadcasting biased news detrimental to the country’s interests and internal situation.

The court ruled to annul the Court of Appeal’s decision suspending the execution of the sentence against former MP Moudhien Talal Al-Sayer, and ordered his reconviction and a three-year prison term for charges related to challenging the rights of His Highness the Amir, interfering with his authorities, and broadcasting biased news detrimental to the country’s interests and internal situation.

It also annulled the Court of Appeal’s decision suspending the sentence against former MP Saleh Mohammed Al-Mulla, and ordered his reconviction and a two-year prison term for the charge of challenging the authorities and rights of His Highness the Amir.

The court annulled acquittal rulings issued against 15 defendants and ordered their reconviction for refusing to pronounce a sentence, on charges of broadcasting biased news detrimental to the country’s interests. Those convicted include Adel Al-Dumai, Mohammed Muasaed Al-Dosari, Osama Al-Zaid, Shuaib Ali Shaaban, Mohammed Abbas Jawhar Hayat, Madi Al-Hajeri, Falah Al-Hajeri, Hamad Al-Madhalij, Ali Radan Al-Otaibi, Mohammed Haif, Saud Al-Hajeri, Khaled Mounes Al-Otaibi, Nasser Mohammed Al-Mutairi, and Nami Harab Mohammed Awad Obaid.

The court also annulled the acquittal of Salem Al-Namlan, ordering his reconviction and a three-year prison term, as he was a repeat offender, on charges of broadcasting biased news detrimental to the country’s internal situation.