Al-Sameet to Al-Rai: New Penal Code Criminalizes Acts Not Currently Criminalized

- The “qualitative and exceptional” law draws on the best international experiences... and its completion is imminent

- We have contacted Kuwait University to conduct the necessary “juvenile supervision” tests to select the most qualified candidates from the institution’s children

- Aliya Al-Saqer: Investing in science and knowledge is a fundamental pillar for building a promising future for our juvenile children

Justice Minister and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority for Juvenile Affairs, Advisor Nasser Al-Sumait, announced that the final drafting of the new Penal Code project is nearing completion. He emphasized that the law criminalizes dangerous acts that are not currently penalized, reduces certain penalties, and introduces alternative enforcement measures, including community service, as part of efforts to develop the criminal justice system and enhance crime prevention.

Speaking exclusively to “Al-Rai” on the sidelines of his patronage and attendance at the ceremony honoring 1,247 outstanding “juvenile” students on Wednesday evening at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Al-Sumait stated that the Ministry is awaiting responses from relevant authorities on the draft law, paving the way for its submission to the Office of Fatwa and Legislation after final drafting is completed. He predicted the law would be finalized in a short period, describing it as a “qualitative and exceptional” law that benefits from the best international experiences.

He announced that the Ministry is preparing to launch the E-Agencies project next month, following more than a year of work in collaboration with Microsoft. He explained that the project represents a qualitative leap in judicial services, aiming to guarantee the rights of agents and principals and to provide a sophisticated electronic system for handling agencies.

Regarding the Juvenile Affairs Authority, Al-Sumait clarified that the special committee for supervisory positions within the Authority has been formed and has begun its meetings. He added that Kuwait University has been contacted to conduct the necessary tests to select the most qualified sons and daughters of the Authority, based on criteria aimed at enhancing efficiency and meritocracy in supervisory roles.

During the ceremony, attended by Deputy Minister of Justice Awatef Al-Sand and Authority executives, Al-Sumait expressed his happiness at honoring the Authority’s outstanding students. He affirmed that their care and support are a privilege and a national responsibility, and that investing in their education and empowerment constitutes an investment in Kuwait’s future. He expressed his appreciation for the efforts and perseverance of the outstanding students in their educational journey, commending the Authority’s commitment to motivating them to continue excelling and achieving distinction.

On the occasion, Al-Sumait expressed his joy at sharing the triumph of the Authority’s children and said, “We are proud of the success they have achieved, which is the fruit of their diligence and perseverance, as well as the care and attention of their families. We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to every family that stood by its children, and to every teacher who contributed to this success.”

For her part, Acting Director General of the General Authority for Juvenile Affairs, Aliya Fahd Al-Saqer, affirmed that the ceremony honors the distinguished efforts made by students to achieve success and excellence, and encourages them to continue their academic journey with confidence and ambition. She noted that the Authority places great emphasis on educational and pedagogical aspects, driven by its belief that investing in science and knowledge is a fundamental pillar for building a promising future for its juvenile children, enabling them to realize their aspirations and contribute effectively to society.

The ceremony concluded with the honoring of outstanding students and the taking of commemorative photos with Authority executives, amidst an atmosphere filled with pride and joy over the children’s achievements. This occasion reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to continuing to support their educational journey, celebrating their successes, and motivating them to persist in excellence and contribution, thereby enhancing their self-confidence and supporting their aspirations for a brighter future.

Justice Minister and Advisor Nasser Al-Sumeit announced that the Authority had, two weeks prior, distributed more than 11 percent of the allocated funds to beneficiaries under its care, alongside efforts to prepare a comprehensive discount program in collaboration with several entities, aiming to expand the scope of support and improve services provided to children.

The Minister of Justice was keen to share the joy of outstanding students and their parents by taking commemorative photos with them in a notably paternal manner, amid great interaction that infused the ceremony with an atmosphere of joy and happiness, reflecting his interest in outstanding children and his commitment to recognizing their achievements. Parents surrounded the Minister in a spontaneous, human scene, exchanging smiles with him, a gesture that left a positive impression on them and brought smiles to their faces.

The ceremony witnessed the largest participation by students and parents since the Public Authority for Child Welfare began holding annual celebrations to honor outstanding children, reflecting strong engagement between the two parties and the Authority’s success in satisfying them through the services it provides to its beneficiaries. Well done, and may you continue to excel.