KUWAIT: HH the
Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah issued an Amiri decree pardoning
dozens of prisoners held on various charges, the interior ministry said on
Thursday. The move comes on the occasion of the 58th National Day and the 28th
Liberation Day anniversaries, the ministry added in a press statement. The
decree no. 38/2019 included an immediate release of 161 prisoners as of Feb 25,
it said, noting that it also involves the reduction of penalties for 545
others. The order contains the lifting of judicial proceedings against 97
prisoners (illegal residents) and the dropping of fines against 1,074 others,
the statement added.

The Amiri decree
comes after fruitful cooperation amongst the Amiri Diwan, the public
prosecution and the interior ministry to accelerate completing the list of
prisoners, it made clear. The aim of this order is to give a chance to those
who are released to benefit the society, according to the statement. The Amiri
forgiveness is conditional, assistant undersecretary for implementing verdicts
Maj Gen Farraj Al-Zokhbi was quoted in the statement as saying. He explained
that if any of the released inmates commits a crime, they will be jailed again.
He expressed his gratitude and appreciation to HH the Amir's initiative.

Meanwhile, Dubai
on Thursday celebrated Kuwait's national days with a 170,000 cu ft sand
portrait of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in the sands of
the Dubai desert. On his official Twitter account, UAE Vice President, Prime
Minister and Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al-Maktoum posted a clip of
Emirati youth drawing the Amir's photo in the sand. "This image embodies
the fraternity, unity and strong bonds between the two sisterly nations,"
Sheikh Mohammad tweeted.

He stressed that
"the love of Kuwait and the Kuwaiti people is engraved in our land, hearts
and history. We wish 'the Kuwait of Love' and its Amir, the Humanitarian
Leader, a new year of glory, progress and peace". At Dubai airports,
volunteers with Kuwaiti flags received arriving Kuwaiti travellers with
flowers, sweets and gifts, and greeted them on the occasion.

Kuwait Consul
General in Dubai Theyab Al-Rashidi praised on Friday the brotherly initiative
made by the UAE. Rashidi said in a statement to KUNA that this initiative by
Sheikh Mohammad affirms the deep and brotherly relations between the UAE and
Kuwait. "This portrait reflects the personal love Sheikh Mohammad bin
Rashid has for His Highness the Amir," Rashidi said. "The UAE has
regularly surprised us with celebrations of the Kuwaiti national holidays,
which always have a special place in Kuwaitis' hearts," he added.