KUWAIT CITY, Oct 1: The Criminal Court fined a citizen, identified only as “A. M.”, KD 10,000 for insulting a segment of society. The Public Prosecution charged the defendant with insulting a segment of Kuwaiti society through a video clip that went viral on social media. The defendant denied the charges. Also, the Criminal Court imposed a fine of KD 50,000 on Dr. Abdul Mutalib Behbehani for inciting sectarian strife through posts he uploaded on his X account that contained statements the court deemed likely to undermine national unity and harm the social fabric. The Misdemeanor Court of Cassation overturned the verdict issued by the Misdemeanor Court of Appeal, which sentenced two brothers to two years in prison with hard labor on charges of alcohol trafficking. The ruling was deemed invalid because the Court of Appeal adjudicated the case directly without referring it back to the Court of First Instance, violating the principle of two-stage litigation. The Misdemeanor Court initially ruled that it lacked subject-matter jurisdiction over the misdemeanor of alcohol trafficking and referred the case to the Criminal Court, considering it a case of recidivism. However, the Court of Appeal ruled that it had jurisdiction and proceeded to hear the case, ultimately issuing the prison sentence.

By Jaber Al-Hamoud Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 1: The General Traffic Department, represented by the Jahra Governorate Traffic Department, recently conducted a series of intensive field traffic campaigns across several roads and areas within the governorate. These operations were carried out as part of the Ministry of Interior’s ongoing efforts to preserve public safety, enforce the law, and strictly monitor traffic behavior to identify and apprehend violators.

The campaigns produced significant results, including the following:

The Ministry of Interior reaffirmed its firm stance that it will not show leniency toward violators of traffic laws. It also urged the public to play an active role in maintaining road safety by reporting any traffic violations or reckless driving behavior. Reports can be made through the Operations Room hotline (112), the General Traffic Department’s WhatsApp service (99324092), or the “Tawasul” platform.

The Ministry stressed that such cooperation between authorities and the public is vital for enhancing traffic safety and reducing negative practices on the road.

Female Asian Expat arrested with fake foreign liquor

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 1: The Khaitan Investigations Department has launched an investigation into an Asian expatriate involved in the illegal manufacturing and trading of alcohol. Authorities aimed to determine the scope of her criminal activity, including how long she had been operating, the sources of raw materials, and the use of tools and labels designed to make locally produced alcohol appear imported.

During a raid at her residence in the Mahboula area, security forces confiscated manufacturing equipment, tools, and over 300 bottles of alcohol ready for sale. According to a security source, the investigation began after the department received credible information that the expatriate was using her home as a base for producing and storing alcohol, which she sold under the guise of imported products. Following a parliamentary permit, the raid was conducted, and the suspect was referred to the Public Prosecution for legal action.

In a separate operation, the Farwaniya Security Directorate’s backup patrols arrested another Asian expatriate last night in the Jahra area for promoting both local and imported alcohol. The individual was found in possession of 18 bottles of alcohol.

Security sources reported that during a patrol in the Andalusia region, officers stopped a suspicious vehicle whose driver attempted to flee. Upon arrest, a precautionary search revealed 18 bottles of alcohol in the car. The suspect has been referred for administrative deportation, and the confiscated alcohol has been handed over to the competent authorities for destruction.

These operations are part of Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal alcohol trade and manufacturing, reinforcing strict enforcement of public safety and customs regulations.