A counterterrorism law enacted in Kuwait in the wake of Iranian strikes on the Gulf, following the unlawful US-Israeli attacks on Iran, contains overly broad and vague provisions that threaten the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association and movement, while significantly expanding the scope of the death penalty, Amnesty International said today.
On 15 March 2026, the Emir of Kuwait issued Decree-Law No. 47 of 2026 on Combating Terrorism Crimes, which adopts an overly broad and vague definition of ‘terrorist’ acts. The counterterrorism law forms part of a sweeping package of legal and judicial measures introduced in March 2026 shortly after the Iran war began in the name of “countering terrorism”. Measures include the establishment of a specialized prosecution branch and specially designated courts for terrorism-related charges, as well as significantly expanding the scope of the death penalty for “terrorist acts.”
National security must not be used as a justification to trample on rights and expand state powers, and responding to any legitimate threats must be pursued in a manner consistent with international law.
Mahmoud Shalaby, Amnesty International
“National security must not be used as a justification to trample on rights and expand state powers, and responding to any legitimate threats must be pursued in a manner consistent with international law. Kuwaiti authorities introduced counterterrorism legislation that expands the scope of the death penalty and permits punitive and arbitrary restrictions on freedom of movement and association for people who have not been convicted of a crime. The new law further grants authorities dangerous discretion to arrest, prosecute and sentence people for engaging in conduct that is protected under international human rights law, including expression and assembly,” said Mahmoud Shalaby, Regional Researcher at Amnesty International.
“While the introduction of these measures came during a cr
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