Kuwait Court of Appeals Sentences Mazen al-Jarrah to 5 Years in Prison

A general view of the Kuwaiti Palace of Justice (File photo: Reuters)
A general view of the Kuwaiti Palace of Justice (File photo: Reuters)
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Kuwait Court of Appeals Sentences Mazen al-Jarrah to 5 Years in Prison

A general view of the Kuwaiti Palace of Justice (File photo: Reuters)
A general view of the Kuwaiti Palace of Justice (File photo: Reuters)

The Kuwaiti Court of Appeal sentenced Major General Mazen al-Jarrah and Nawaf al-Shalahi to five years in prison and fined them KD1.360 million for money laundering and bribery in what was known as the case of the Bangladeshi MP.

It is the second part of the Bangladeshi MP, which dates back to June 2020 and involves security and political figures accused of human trafficking and money laundering.

The Appeal overturned the ruling of the Criminal Court, which released Jarrah last March without guarantee.

The Kuwaiti authorities arrested the Bangladeshi lawmaker on June 7, 2020, and he confessed to helping senior Kuwaiti officials and the interior ministry bring migrant workers on fake contracts in exchange for sums of money.

In 2020, the Bangladeshi MP, Mohammad Shahid, was convicted of human trafficking and sentenced to seven years in prison with hard labor and a fine of KD2.7 million.

The court ordered the defendant to be deported after serving his sentence.

The Bangladeshi MP spent many years working in Kuwait and later returned to his country and became a member of the parliament. He is known in Bangladesh as “Kazi Babol.”

The Criminal Investigation Department in Kuwait charged him with human trafficking, money laundering, and torturing employees of his company based on complaints from five Bangladeshi migrant workers.

The accused MP was arrested in his home in the Mishref area and was charged with receiving money from dozens of workers in return for bringing them in from Bangladesh to Kuwait through a company he managed with illegal assistance from Kuwaiti officials accused in the case.

He also paid bribes to influential people to obtain tenders and forced workers to pay annual royalties in exchange for work contracts.



Int’l Forum in Riyadh Discusses Digital Diplomacy

Some of the participants, including ministers, ambassadors, and relevant experts (GCC)
Some of the participants, including ministers, ambassadors, and relevant experts (GCC)
TT

Int’l Forum in Riyadh Discusses Digital Diplomacy

Some of the participants, including ministers, ambassadors, and relevant experts (GCC)
Some of the participants, including ministers, ambassadors, and relevant experts (GCC)

The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), in collaboration with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), hosted the 4th Diplomatic Connect event on December 17th at the GCC headquarters in Riyadh.
Bringing together ministers, ambassadors, private sector and representatives from DCO Member States, the platform for dialogue and cooperation explored tech diplomacy as a vital tool for engaging stakeholders.
Participants included Jasem Albudaiwi, GCC Secretary-General; Deemah AlYahya, DCO Secretary-General; and ministerial representatives from the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) attendees.
The event featured a keynote presentation titled “Global Tech Diplomacy Forecast – Key Influences on 2025” delivered by Martin Rauchbauer, Co-founder of Tech Diplomacy Network, which examined geopolitics shaping tech regulation, innovation priorities, and international relations.
The event continued with an engaging panel discussion that explored the role of tech diplomacy and multilateralism in promoting a safe, resilient, and prosperous digital economy.
In his welcome remarks, Albudaiwi stated: “The DCO Diplomatic Connect is a strategic platform for the GCC to demonstrate its leadership in digital innovation and international collaboration.”
“By showcasing our commitment to advancing the digital economy, the GCC acts as a key player in shaping the future of global economic transformation. This aligns with the region’s broader goals of economic growth and diversification,” he added.
On her part, AlYahya said: “Digital technologies are at the heart of future economic opportunities. The DCO Diplomatic Connect underscores the role of tech diplomacy and the importance of collective action in harnessing the full potential of the digital economy and driving digital transformation.”
“By bringing stakeholders together, we not only strengthen understanding among our Member States and international organizations on the need for tech diplomacy, but also advocate for social inclusion within the digital economy, that includes women empowerment and marginalized communities,” she affirmed.
Rauchbauer said: “Amidst a polycrisis demanding collaborative solutions, new technologies hold the key to addressing our greatest global challenges. The DCO Diplomatic Connect underscores the pivotal role of tech diplomacy in shaping a future where diplomacy and technology are inseparable.”.
The Diplomatic Connect brings together ministers, ambassadors, diplomats, thought leaders, and other stakeholders to engage in thought-provoking conversations about digital diplomacy, aiming to underscore its importance in international relations. It also explores inventive approaches to diplomacy, leveraging the latest technological advances, digital tools, and data-driven insights to bolster diplomatic efforts.