New Law Targets Knife-Wielding Thugs And Gun-Toting Vandals In Kuwait

Kuwait has launched a decisive crackdown on illegal and dangerous weapons following growing concerns over street violence, intimidation, and rising public safety threats. The government has issued a new decree-law that overhauls and expands its longstanding weapons legislation to better address evolving security challenges.

Broader Scope Under New Legislation

The updated decree, now titled “Regarding Weapons, Ammunition, Bladed Weapons, and Dangerous Air Weapons”, marks a significant shift from the previous law (Decree-Law No. 13 of 1991), which had remained unchanged for over three decades. According to officials, the older law no longer reflects the severity of the modern threat landscape.

The government’s explanatory note accompanying the decree described the misuse of weapons—especially air guns and machetes—as a “serious threat to public security”, demanding immediate legal reform.

Key Provisions of the New Law

• Licensing Requirements: Individuals may not own or acquire any weapons or ammunition without a license issued by the Minister of Interior or their delegate.
• Unrestricted Authority Over Licenses: Authorities now hold the power to reject, cancel, or amend licenses at their discretion and without the need to provide justification.
• Public Carrying Restrictions: Carrying bladed or air weapons in public or restricted areas is now strictly prohibited, unless a clear personal or professional necessity can be demonstrated.
• Complete Ban on Heavy-Duty Weapons: The law enforces a total ban on weapons such as cannons, machine guns, and silencers, regardless of ownership status.

Harsh Penalties to Deter Violations

Legal experts have pointed out that the law comes with severe penalties for violators, including imprisonment and confiscation of weapons. The primary objective is to send a clear message of deterrence, particularly to individuals who carry weapons for street fights, tribal disputes, or even celebratory gunfire—behaviors that have caused widespread alarm among the public.

Public and Expert Reactions

Security analysts and legal observers have welcomed the changes, calling them a “long-overdue response” to a deteriorating public safety situation. They noted that illegal weapons, particularly air guns and bladed items, have increasingly appeared in violent incidents across the country.

With this legal overhaul, Kuwait aims to create a safer environment for its citizens and curb the culture of intimidation that has become alarmingly visible in recent years.

This legislative update reinforces the Kuwaiti government’s resolve to protect public safety by implementing modern, enforceable laws that target the root causes of violent and unlawful behavior involving weapons.