Kuwait’s Court of Cassation has labeled Lebanon’s Hezbollah as a “forbidden and criminal group” under national law.

The court accused Hezbollah of planning to destabilize Kuwait to establish an Iranian-style republic there.

This decision clarifies the legal status of Hezbollah, which individuals accused of spying for the group had disputed.

The final decision of the Court of Cassation came in the context of convicting three Kuwaiti citizens of espionage for Hezbollah, overturning their acquittal.

However, the court opted not to pronounce a punishment, instead obligating them to “good conduct,” a legal term indicating they must refrain from involvement in similar cases.

Nevertheless, the court clarified that joining Hezbollah and cooperating with it constitutes a “crime punishable by law.”

The case, involving the three Kuwaitis and a Lebanese national, revolves around accusations brought forth by the State Security apparatus regarding their involvement in funding Hezbollah-affiliated entities, sending funds and donations to them.

The case was initially heard in the Court of Appeals late in 2023, where three defendants were acquitted.

However, following appeals against the appellate court’s verdict, the case was reheard by the Court of Cassation, which on Thursday issued a final ruling overturning the acquittal of the Lebanese and Kuwaitis, convicting them again.