Saudi Arabia’s Justice Minister issued an official statement on Thursday reassuring that the national judiciary was independent and all Saudi defendants were safeguarded with fair trials.
He also condemned foreign interference in Saudi internal affairs.
“We categorically reject any interference from any party in the affairs of our country, especially in the judiciary, which we stress its independence,” said Saudi Justice Minister Sheikh Dr. Walid Bin Muhammad Al-Samaani.
Samaani’s response came following statements made by the Canadian foreign minister and embassy in Riyadh on what she labeled as ‘civil society activists’, and her blatant and unacceptable interference in the internal affairs of the Kingdom.
He stressed that the Saudi judiciary gives all defendants, including those charged with terrorism, all guarantees of a fair trial.
The defendant has the right to appoint a lawyer so as to see all documents and records pertaining to the case, said Samaani.
The Justice Ministry provides a lawyer to all defendants who cannot afford one, he added.
He explained that the judicial system in the Kingdom gives the accused the right to appeal rulings issued by fulfilling conditions for objection. The judicial system also ensures the right to compensation for any harm suffered by the defendant in case they are acquitted.
Samaani noted that the Kingdom has nothing to hide.
“We are proud to announce that the judiciary in the Kingdom deals with criminal trials, including terrorism cases like other trials, and applies all fair trial standards,” he said.
He stressed that the Kingdom’s criminal justice system “complies with the rules of legal evidence in terms of admitting only the presented evidence, the presumption of innocence, challenging the ruling and the right for appeal."
