The State Security Court of Appeals in Kuwait has upheld several rulings related to cases involving alleged sympathy with Iranian attacks and incitement of sectarian strife, according to reports from July 21.

Among the upheld decisions was the acquittal of three individuals—a male citizen, a female student, and a male student—who were charged with inciting sectarian discord and expressing sympathy with Iran. The court determined that they were outside Kuwait during the time of the Iranian attacks and had no awareness of the ongoing events in the country, leading to their exoneration.

In addition, the court affirmed its earlier decision to refrain from issuing rulings on cases involving several defendants accused of supporting Iran and inciting sectarianism on social media platforms such as X, Instagram, and WhatsApp. However, the defendants were ordered to maintain good behavior for two years and to post bail amounts ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 Kuwaiti dinars.

The appeals court also upheld the acquittal of a citizen initially charged with spreading false information and insulting Gulf Cooperation Council states. In another matter, the court maintained its decision not to proceed with a ruling against a citizen accused of promoting sectarian tension and showing sympathy toward Iran.

Conversely, the court confirmed a five-year prison sentence for Salman Al-Khalidi, who was convicted of insulting and defaming His Highness the Amir during his trial. Furthermore, in a separate case, a citizen previously sentenced to three years in prison for incitement of sectarian strife and expressing sympathy for Iran was ordered by the court to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. This individual was acquitted of charges related to spreading false news, causing panic during wartime, and offending Gulf countries.

These rulings reflect the judiciary's ongoing handling of sensitive cases involving national security, sectarian relations, and social media activity in Kuwait amid regional tensions.