Kuwait sets up special courts for terrorism cases after sharp rise in incidents

Dubai: Special courts have been established in Kuwait to handle terrorism and state security cases, as authorities reported a 500 per cent surge in such cases in the first quarter of 2026. 

The courts were created under an Emiri decree that introduces a two-tier judicial system aimed at accelerating proceedings, replacing the usual three-stage process to deliver faster rulings in sensitive cases.

The move comes a day after Attorney General Saad Al-Safran ordered the creation of a dedicated prosecution for terrorism-related offences. Justice Minister Nasser Al Sumait said 209 cases had been recorded in the first three months of the year.

The decree provides for one or more specialised courts, each comprising three senior Kuwaiti judges, at both first instance and appeal levels. It excludes a court of cassation for such cases.

Authorities said the streamlined system aims to safeguard national security while maintaining legal guarantees for defendants and avoiding prolonged litigation.