The case of a young Kuwaiti man who murdered his pregnant wife earlier this week sent shockwaves across Kuwait.
According to local newspaper Al Watan, the crime took place in Al Jahra governorate and saw the 27-year-old husband beat and strangle his wife, who's originally from Saudi Arabia, after the couple had a heated argument.
The man was arrested by authorities soon after he committed the crime and now faces charges in the horrific case.
According to police records, the defendant has a criminal history and was previously arrested on drug-use charges.
During investigations, he said he took his wife to the parking lot where the murder happened in order to discuss a few marital problems.
The discussion soon turned into a huge argument, which eventually led to the murder of the 22 year-old-wife who was five months pregnant.
The case shocked people on social media
"He murdered two souls"
Many were outraged
"OK, you didn't get along, divorce her, but why do this when there were other solutions?"
"May they rest in peace"
The fight against domestic abuse in Kuwait
Similar to countries across the Arab world, domestic abuse cases often go unreported in Kuwait.
However, in recent years, women's rights activists have been raising awareness on the issue, in the hope that this encourages women to report abusers at the first sign of violent behavior.
In a statement to >StepFeed earlier this year, Rawan, a women's rights activist in Kuwait, >said that many in the country are now courageously speaking out against all forms of domestic violence against women.
She explained that social norms often deter women from reporting cases until it's too late.
"We continue to work on several draft laws, urging our government to pass legislation that would secure better rights for women, calling on them to abolish several laws that put their lives at risk," she >said at the time.
The activist also added that while the situation is still alarming, positive changes are happening.
"This kind of abuse exists all over the Arab world and isn't just confined to one country or the other. Because I work in Kuwait, I can say that from what I've seen here, there have been a few positive changes in recent years, and we're optimistic that better days are yet to come," she >explained.