The Kuwaiti media personality, Fajr Al-Saeed, has returned to her home after spending more than seven months in detention following an initial three-year prison sentence with hard labor. The sentence was later overturned by a Court of Appeal decision.

Her colleague, media figure Mai Al-Eidan, documented the moment of her return in a video clip where Al-Saeed is seen bowing at the entrance of her home to kiss the ground and perform a “thanksgiving prostration,” then raising her hands in prayer. The emotional scene garnered widespread interaction on social media, with many expressing sympathy and joy over her release and reunion with her family.

Joyful Atmosphere at Home

Al-Saeed shared a series of stories on Snapchat showing the welcoming atmosphere inside her home, from flower bouquets and congratulatory messages to her describing her family as “the true refuge” after what she called a “forced absence.” She also thanked everyone who supported her through messages, prayers, or visits.

She spoke about the harsh conditions during her detention, noting she lost about 25 kilograms (55 pounds) during that time.

Case Details and Overturning of the Sentence

The release came after the Court of Appeal ruled to cancel the original sentence and decided to withhold pronouncing the punishment, on condition of paying bail of 1,000 Kuwaiti dinars (about 3,200 USD).

Fajr Al-Saeed had faced charges related to spreading false news, misuse of communication means, and advocating normalization (with Israel), all of which she repeatedly denied in court. Her lawyer, Dr. Faisal Ayal Al-Anzi, argued that the facts did not legally constitute a crime.

In a legal commentary, Dr. Mohammed Al-Faili explained that “withholding the pronouncement of the sentence” means the accused is convicted but the sentence is not enforced, based on the court’s discretion considering personal circumstances such as a clean record or good conduct.