Kuwait introduces DNA testing for all citizens and residents in wake of terror attack
New law is adopted to create comprehensive database, a week after attack on mosque
Kuwait's parliament, reacting to a suicide bombing last week that killed 26 people, has adopted a law requiring mandatory DNA testing on all the country's citizens and foreign residents.
The legislation passed on Wednesday, which was requested by the government to help security agencies make quicker arrests in criminal cases, calls on the interior ministry to establish a DNA database of all 1.3 million citizens and 2.9 million foreign residents.
Under the law, people who refuse to give samples for the test face one year in jail and a fine of up to US$33,000. Those who provide fake samples can be jailed for seven years.
Parliament also approved a US$400 million emergency funding for spending required by the interior ministry.
"We have approved the DNA testing law and approved the additional funding. We are prepared to approve anything needed to boost security measures in the country," independent MP Jamal al-Omar said.
A suicide bomber blew himself up during Friday prayers last week at a Shiite mosque in the capital, also wounding 227 people, in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group.