Kuwait sentences maid to death for killing infant in washing machine

The maid confessed to the killing, telling investigators the child had been 'annoying' her

Last updated: September 25, 2025 | 09:42

Khitam Al Amir

1 MIN READ

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Dubai: Kuwait’s criminal court on Wednesday sentenced a Filipino domestic worker to death for the murder of an 18-month-old Kuwaiti boy, whom she placed inside a washing machine at her employer’s home in Sabah Al Salem late last December.

According to a report by Al Qabas Arabic daily, the maid confessed to the killing, telling investigators the child had been “annoying” her. The baby’s parents rushed to the scene after hearing his screams and discovered him inside the washing machine in critical condition. He was taken to Jaber Al Ahmad Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival from severe injuries.

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Ahead of the verdict, the court ordered the defendant to undergo a psychological evaluation, which found her mentally fit to stand trial.

The case drew widespread attention both in Kuwait and the Philippines. The Philippines Department of Migrant Workers expressed condolences to the child’s family and the Kuwaiti government, stressing that the incident was “isolated” and did not reflect the values of overseas Filipino workers, more than 220,000 of whom live and work in Kuwait, many as domestic helpers.

The ruling will be automatically reviewed by the appeals court and then by the Court of Cassation, the country’s highest tribunal, whose decisions are final.

Khitam Al Amir

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

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