KUWAIT: The court of cassation on Monday ordered a freeze on the implementation of a 14-year jail term against former interior and defense minister Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled Al-Sabah and set June 23 to start hearing the case. The decision was issued after Sheikh Talal gave himself up to the court and demanded that the jail term be frozen until the court of cassation, the highest court in the country, had ruled on his appeal.

The special court for ministers in January sentenced Sheikh Talal to 14 years in jail, ordered him to repay KD 10 million to the two ministries and fined him KD 20 million over a graft totaling KD 10 million. During the session, Sheikh Talal denied the charges and any wrongdoing. The court convicted the former minister of embezzling KD 9.5 million from the defense ministry and KD 500,000 from the interior ministry.

Sheikh Talal was appointed in the Cabinet for the first time as defense minister in Dec 2021 and continued until Jan 2024. He was also given the interior portfolio during that period, either separately or together with the defense post. In recent years, Kuwaiti courts have jailed several ministers and senior officials over corruption cases and ordered them to repay embezzled funds and imposed hefty fines on them. The ministers’ court is currently trying former defense minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah over alleged corruption of KD 400,000. He has denied the accusations.

Separately, the ministry of health said on Monday it has shut five private health facilities and referred 23 others, including hospitals and medical centers, to investigation for allegedly violating rules governing advertisements and medical practice. The ministry explained that the decision was based on search campaigns by ministry teams, which found that advertisements by those facilities contradicted the principles of the medical profession.

KUWAIT: The Embassy of the Republic of Turkey to Kuwait hosted a reception on Sunday at Kuwait Marina Hotel, in collaboration with the Turkey Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey, to celebrate the annual Turkish Cuisine Week. In her opening remarks, Turkish Ambassador Tuba Nur Sonmez emphasized Turkish cuisine’s unique place among world cuisines, highlighting its deep-rooted history, health-conscious nature and sustainable qualities.

The ambassador underlined the shared values of hospitality and culinary appreciation between Turkey and Kuwait, expressing her belief that such events further strengthen the bonds of friendship and cultural ties between the two nations. The event featured a presentation on the historical development of Turkish culinary culture, its regional diversity, and traditional cooking techniques. Guests had the opportunity to taste a wide array of meticulously prepared Turkish dishes, desserts, and beverages at various tasting stations. They also received information about the recipes and preparation methods of the dishes served.

The Turkish ambassador poses for a group photo with Ambassadors and officials.

Additionally, a special exhibition showcasing visuals and recipes from Turkish cuisine was presented to visitors, offering a deeper insight into Turkey’s rich culinary heritage. A traditional Turkish folk dance performance by students from the Kuwait Turkish School was among the highlights of the evening, drawing great interest and appreciation from the audience. At the conclusion of the event, a raffle was held in which several fortunate attendees won round-trip flight tickets to Turkey. The event was attended by Sadiq Marafi, Assistant Minister for Europe Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait, as the Guest of Honor.

KUWAIT: Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah announced the launch of the “Kuwait Disability Guide 2025,” describing it as a vital national initiative that underscores Kuwait’s commitment to local legislation and international agreements. The guide aims to establish transparency and justice in the assessment and diagnosis of disabilities in accordance with global standards.

Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on the occasion, Dr Al-Huwailah said the initiative aligns with the provisions of Law No 73 of 2020, specifically Article 48, Clause 17, which mandates the development of clear scientific criteria for disability diagnosis. The law also requires the Public Authority for the Affairs of Persons with Disabilities to publish these standards and make them accessible via its official website.

Dr Al-Huwailah highlighted that the guide is the result of a decade-long effort carried out in collaboration with experts from the United Nations, the World Health Organization, medical and technical committees from the Public Authority, and specialized doctors from the Ministry of Health. The goal, she noted, was to develop a comprehensive national reference grounded in best international practices.

Participants attend the press conference to launch the Kuwait Guide for Disability 2025.

Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah.

Acting Director General of the Public Authority for the Affairs of Persons with Disabilities, Wafaa Al-Muhanna.

The minister explained that the guide offers specific and standardized procedures for evaluating various types of disabilities — including mental, physical, psychological, motor, visual, and auditory impairments — ensuring accurate diagnoses and tailored support for individuals. She added that the guide aims to unify diagnostic criteria, assist specialists in decision-making, and streamline procedures across medical and judicial bodies. It also serves as a reference for professionals in healthcare, education, employment and caregiving sectors.

Dr Al-Huwailah reaffirmed Kuwait’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities, emphasizing that this is a shared national responsibility embraced by the state’s leadership, government and people. She expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the creation of the guide, and reiterated the government’s dedication to supporting individuals with disabilities and promoting their inclusion in society. Meanwhile, Acting Director General of the Public Authority for the Affairs of Persons with Disabilities, Wafaa Al-Muhanna, said the launch marks a significant step toward institutional transparency and public awareness.

In a separate statement to KUNA, Al-Muhanna noted that the guide will help define diagnostic procedures and assess the severity of disabilities, enabling its application across government and healthcare entities. She added that the Authority had uploaded the guide to its official website in line with Law No. 8 of 2010, and continues to develop tools and resources to better serve people with disabilities. Al-Muhanna affirmed the Authority’s commitment to collaborating with local and international partners to enhance the lives, health, and well-being of persons with disabilities. — KUNA