Conviction for Salman Al-Khalidi stands firm; court dismisses appeal, imposing a 10-year jail term.
In a landmark ruling, the Criminal Court of Kuwait has reaffirmed a 10-year prison sentence for Salman Al-Khalidi, following two separate charges of insulting the leadership and institutions of both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
The offences, committed through digital platforms and in the public domain, were found to have violated national laws that prohibit expressions deemed harmful to state sovereignty and bilateral relations. These laws, part of Kuwait's legal framework, criminalise any speech or act that undermines or threatens the sovereignty of Kuwait or damages diplomatic or bilateral relations with other states.
The specific laws in question typically fall under national security, defamation of the state, or offences against the dignity of the state and its institutions. In the context of the Al-Khalidi case, it is likely that Kuwaiti law includes provisions similar to "lèse-majesté" or offences against the honour of the state, which imply penalties for statements or actions that could harm Kuwait’s sovereignty or diplomatic relations.
The court's ruling serves as a reminder of the legal consequences for public insults against the leadership and institutions of Kuwait and its close allies. The sentence, handed down in absentia, was for insulting His Highness the Amir and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. One charge involved derogatory statements against the Amir of Kuwait on the social media platform X, while the other charge related to public insults against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Al-Khalidi, who filed an appeal to overturn the previous verdict, saw his appeal dismissed after failing to meet legal criteria or present sufficient justification to overturn the sentence. The court's ruling reflects Kuwait's firm stance against offences targeting the country's leadership or its close allies, and demonstrates the court's commitment to upholding national laws that protect state sovereignty and bilateral relations.
The court's ruling against Al-Khalidi is a clear demonstration of Kuwait's commitment to maintaining the dignity and integrity of its leadership and diplomatic ties with its allies. It also serves as a warning to others who may consider making offensive statements against Kuwait or its leadership.
Politics and general news outlets may report on the recent court ruling in Kuwait, where Salman Al-Khalidi was given a 10-year prison sentence for publicly insulting the leadership and institutions of both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. This sentence, handed down in absentia, highlights Kuwait's strict laws against offences targeting its leadership or diplomatic allies, underscoring the importance of crime and justice issues within the country's legal framework.
