Kuwait jails education ministry employees for leaking high school exam papers

Head of Ministry’s secret printing unit gets three years; 2 others face prison, probation

Last updated: July 22, 2025 | 05:55

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Security agencies said disciplinary procedures were taken against the offenders, who have been referred to the public prosecution to complete interrogations. They were not identified.

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Dubai: The Kuwaiti Court of Cassation has handed down prison sentences to three Ministry of Education employees in connection with a high-profile case involving the leak of confidential secondary school examination papers, Al Qabas Arabic daily reported.

The court sentenced the head of the Ministry’s secret printing house to three years in prison with hard labour after finding him guilty of photographing and distributing classified exam materials in exchange for personal favours.

Also Read: Kuwait: Citizen and expat jailed for 10 years over school exam paper leak

Two others — a teacher and a fellow ministry employee — received six-month prison terms and were placed under a two-year probation period tied to a good conduct bond.

According to court documents, the leaks originated from within the ministry’s secure printing unit, where the convicted official violated protocol by supplying exam papers to the other defendants.

Also Read: Kuwait hands down jail sentences to 4, including expat, over exam paper leaks

The court ruled that the acts constituted a serious breach of public trust and a violation of official duties, undermining the credibility of Kuwait’s national education system.

The ruling underscores the judiciary’s strict stance on corruption within public institutions and its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of national examinations.

Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor

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.