Sunday, 11 January 2026| Dubai [ Posted at 8:28 pm]
Kuwaiti writer Bader Al-Mutairi has passed away. His powerful life story moved millions across the Arab world. Notably, his death comes just weeks after renewed public attention to his wrongful imprisonment case and its upcoming television adaptation.
What Happened Today?
Bader Al-Mutairi died on Sunday, January 11, 2026, after a prolonged battle with illness. According to Arab media reports, the writer had been suffering from multiple health complications, including strokes and tumours. All these conditions had severely affected his health in recent years.
Local Kuwaiti outlets confirmed the news of Al-Mutairi death early Sunday morning. Hence, messages of condolence quickly spread across social media, as writers, lawyers, and public figures paid tribute to his resilience and courage.
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Who Was Bader Al-Mutairi?

Bader Al-Mutairi was a Kuwaiti writer and novelist. He was best known for his semi-autobiographical novel “Years of Darkness.” Below are the other details about the writer:
- Nationality: Kuwaiti
- Profession: Writer, novelist
- Known for: Documenting wrongful imprisonment and injustice
- Age: Not officially disclosed at the time of reporting
His work gained renewed attention after a six-hour video interview, where he emotionally recounted his prison ordeal, which was watched by millions.
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A Life Marked by Injustice
Bader Al-Mutairi was arrested in 2000, just days after being falsely accused in a drug-related case. Unfortunately, it happened just days before his wedding. According to legal investigations, an unknown individual impersonated him by forging his passport photo, which led to his conviction. You can read the details about his conviction below:
- Sentence: 7 years in prison
- Time served: 1 year and 8 months
- Outcome: Declared innocent after investigations proved impersonation
After his release, the psychological, legal, and health impacts followed him for decades.
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Controversies and Legal Impact

Al-Mutairi himself was a victim in that case. Still, his case became a legal controversy in Kuwait. So, Kuwaiti lawyer Nafeh Al-Mutairi stated that the case exposed serious flaws in legislation and procedures, calling for reforms to prevent similar injustices.
Similarly, another lawyer, Ali Al-Aryan, emphasised the need for fair compensation laws and better mechanisms for reviewing criminal judgments in a statement. Beyond legal experts, many took to social media to express their empathy toward Al-Mutairi after watching that video. Several stated that they cried during the video.
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“Years of Darkness”: From Prison to Screen
Al-Mutairi transformed his suffering into art through his novel “Years of Darkness.” That novel was set to be transformed into a TV series. According to the Shasha production platform, the rights were acquired to adapt the story into a television drama. However, the series is directed by Mohamed Salama and stars Hamad Al-Omani, Iman Al-Husseini, and Shawq Al-Hadi.
Reason for Death
According to media reports, Bader Al-Mutairi passed away after a long struggle with illness, which included strokes and tumours that worsened his health over time. He shared short videos asking followers for prayers and support, expressing faith and gratitude in his last months.
Public Reaction and Legacy
After the news that Bader Al-Mutairi, the writer, has died, an outpouring of grief and sympathy flooded social media across Kuwait and the wider Arab world, including in the UAE. Moreover, his story will continue to influence the following sectors:
- Legal reform discussions in Kuwait
- Public awareness about wrongful imprisonment
- Arab television through its upcoming series
According to production sources, the upcoming television adaptation of the same name is expected to introduce his story to an even wider audience. Hence, his legacy will stay a powerful reminder of resilience, justice, and the role of writers in exposing societal flaws.
Source
Inputs from Sabaharbi and Erm News
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