Minister of Justice: 92% decline in cases of insulting and assaulting public officials
Justice Minister Counselor Nasser Al-Samit revealed a significant decline in cases of insulting public employees and assaulting them while performing their duties. The number of such cases dropped from 1,174 in the year preceding the implementation of the legislative amendment to 93 in the second year of its enforcement, representing a 92% decrease.
Al-Samit explained that the statistics, compiled by the Ministry of Interior, cover incidents involving various public employees, including security personnel. He noted that the number of cases fell from 1,174 during the period from September 15, 2023, to September 14, 2024, to 493 in the first year of the amendment’s application, spanning from September 15, 2024, to September 14, 2025, a 58% reduction.
The downward trend continued in the second year, with the period from September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026, recording approximately 93 cases, an 81% decrease compared to the first year and a 92% drop from the pre-amendment period.
The Justice Minister clarified that Decree-Law No. 93 of 2024 came into force on September 15, 2024. It stipulates stricter penalties for insulting, assaulting, or resisting public employees through force or violence, while providing enhanced legal protection for judges, public prosecution members, and personnel of the police force, the army, and the National Guard.
The amendment also prohibits victims from withdrawing complaints, reaching settlements with the accused, or granting them amnesty, thereby strengthening the protection afforded to public employees while they carry out their duties.
Al-Samit indicated that the amendment aligns with the High Directive of His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait, regarding the preservation of the dignity and respect due to security personnel while they perform their official duties.
He commended the efforts of the Ministry of Interior and security forces, stating that the recorded results reflect the cooperation among state institutions in supporting the respect for public employees, upholding the rule of law, and protecting government workers while they discharge their responsibilities.
