Filing a Complaint Against a Kuwaiti Police Officer (2026 Legal Guide) — Rules & Requirements
About this article
Sourced from Kuwaiti national legislation, Amiri decrees, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Kuwait provides three formal complaint channels against police misconduct. Public Prosecution handles criminal misconduct. MOI Internal Affairs Department handles internal-discipline. Diwan al-Mazalim (Administrative Court) hears administrative complaints against state agents and can order compensation.
When does it apply?
- Mistreatment, excessive force, denial of counsel.
- Coercion during questioning.
- Bribery demand.
- Detention longer than legally permitted.
How to file a complaint against a Kuwaiti police officer
- Build the file.
- Criminal misconduct → Public Prosecution.
- Internal-discipline → MOI Internal Affairs.
- Administrative wrong → Diwan al-Mazalim.
- For foreign workers, parallel embassy complaint.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't accept 'internal handling' as the only response.
- Don't sign withdrawal under pressure.
- Don't return alone to the police station.
About Police Encounters in Kuwait
Your rights during arrest in Kuwait sit under the 1962 Constitution (Articles 30-34), the Criminal Procedure Code (Law No. 17 of 1960), and the Penal Code (Law No. 16 of 1960). Arrests need a warrant from the Public Prosecution unless caught in the act. Police can hold you for up to 4 days without prosecution authorisation, extendable to 21 before a judge reviews. You must be told the charges and given access to a lawyer. Cybercrime under Law No. 63 of 2015 covers online posts and defamation. Emergencies: 112.
Common Questions
What does Diwan al-Mazalim do?
Diwan al-Mazalim is Kuwait's administrative court, hearing complaints against state agencies and their officials, with authority to order compensation for unlawful state conduct.
What protections against coerced confession?
The Code of Criminal Procedure (Law 17/1960) protects the right to counsel and prohibits coercion / torture during interrogation. Coerced confessions are inadmissible.
What is the filing a complaint against a kuwaiti police officer right in Kuwait?
Kuwait provides three formal complaint channels against police misconduct. Public Prosecution handles criminal misconduct. MOI Internal Affairs Department handles internal-discipline. Diwan al-Mazalim (Administrative Court) hears administrative complaints against state agents and can order compensation.
When does it apply — filing a complaint against a kuwaiti police officer?
Mistreatment, excessive force, denial of counsel.Coercion during questioning.Bribery demand.Detention longer than legally permitted.
How do I complain about a Kuwaiti police officer?
Build the file.Criminal misconduct → Public Prosecution.Internal-discipline → MOI Internal Affairs.Administrative wrong → Diwan al-Mazalim.For foreign workers, parallel embassy complaint.
What should you NOT do — filing a complaint against a kuwaiti police officer?
Don't accept 'internal handling' as the only response.Don't sign withdrawal under pressure.Don't return alone to the police station.