Kuwait has achieved a significant legal victory in international arbitration, as the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) dismissed a lawsuit filed by Bashar Kiwan, a Syrian-French national, for $745 million. The case, which was heard under the 2006 UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules, challenged Kuwait’s legal procedures and actions, but the court ruled in favor of Kuwait, rejecting Kiwan’s claims for compensation.
The arbitration panel’s final ruling, issued on March 10, 2025, affirmed the legitimacy of Kuwait’s actions and found that Kiwan was not entitled to any compensation for the alleged material or moral damages he claimed. The court’s decision refuted the unfounded allegations, reinforcing Kuwait’s commitment to the rule of law.
Counselor Salah Al-Majed, head of the Fatwa and Legislation Department, expressed that the ruling marks a major legal triumph for Kuwait, highlighting the effectiveness of its legal processes. He praised the dedication of the legal team at the Fatwa and Legislation Department for their five-year effort in defending the country’s interests.
Al-Majed further stressed that this legal success underpins Kuwait’s strong track record in safeguarding its financial and legal interests on the international stage. The victory was also attributed to the wise leadership of Kuwait’s Amir, Crown Prince, and Prime Minister.
Kiwan, who remains a fugitive from court rulings in Kuwait for crimes such as fraud and money laundering, had alleged that Kuwait violated the 1989 Bilateral Investment Treaty between France and Kuwait. His claims stemmed from his conviction and the subsequent loss of his investments in media companies, including Al-Waseet. Despite his claims, the ICSID ruling has definitively closed the case, affirming Kuwait’s legal integrity.
