Kuwait abolishes law allowing kidnappers to escape punishment by marrying their victims

Dubai: Kuwait has approved a draft law to abolish Article 182 of the Penal Code, which previously allowed a kidnapper to escape punishment if he legally married his victim with the consent of her guardian.

The decision was announced by Minister of Justice Nasser Al Sumait following the Cabinet’s weekly meeting on Tuesday. He confirmed that the Cabinet had approved the draft decree-law as part of ongoing efforts to align national legislation with both Islamic Sharia principles and international human rights conventions.

 “This step reflects Kuwait’s commitment to strengthening the protection of rights and freedoms, and upholding the principles of human dignity,” Al Sumait stated.

He cited the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women as key frameworks supporting this reform.

He explained that repealing Article 182 underscores the government’s determination to deter crimes of abduction and eliminate any legal justification that could allow perpetrators to evade criminal accountability. The move also helps safeguard victims from social pressure that may compromise their rights or compel them into unwanted outcomes.

Al Sumait added, “The repeal of Article 182 is part of broader legislative reforms aimed at enhancing victim protection and reinforcing the principle that crimes cannot be legitimised by violating basic human rights.”

The now-repealed article previously read: “If the kidnapper marries the person he kidnapped in a legitimate marriage with the consent of her guardian, and the guardian requests that the kidnapper not be punished, then no penalty shall be imposed.”