Okaz/Saudi Gazette

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s Attorney General Sheikh Saud Al-Muajab said that all investigation offices under the Public Prosecution are equipped with cameras to carry out audio and video documentation of the investigation and interrogation procedures, in accordance with the provisions of Article 72 of the executive regulations of the Law of Criminal Procedures.

Speaking to Okaz/Saudi Gazette, Al-Muajab said that there are television screens that immediately transmit to the accused all that is recorded in the interrogation minutes under his observation and his knowledge. Regarding major crimes requiring arrest, he said that the Public Prosecution takes into account the highest regulatory standards in taking a decision on them.

“The Public Prosecution comprehensively reviews the classification and study of crimes, in a way maintaining a balance between the rights of society, its security and stability, and the rights of the accused so that there is neither excess nor negligence,” he said while announcing the imminent issuance of draft legislation for alternative penalties to imprisonment.

Al-Muajab said that the amendment of the Public Prosecution Law by the royal decree issued on May 7 covers around 10 articles. “It enables the Public Prosecution to carry out its duties in complete independence and impartiality. The Public Prosecution, in its capacity as custodian of society, takes into account all the guarantees ensured in this aspect and maintains a balance between the freedom of persons and the right of society, without prejudice to either of them.”

“We have directed the Prosecution Monitoring Center to follow up on all that is published and broadcast through all media platforms, including social media, around the clock, and to monitor any activity or behavior outside the regulations and instructions, especially the ones related to the coronavirus crisis, in addition to lodge criminal lawsuit against the perpetrators.”

Al-Muajab said that when the prosecution demands any punishment for the crime, it also looks into the interests of the accused, noting that the penalties are aimed at reform and discipline. He said a special draft law on alternative penalties to imprisonment will be issued soon.

The attorney general said that the Department of Control over Prisons and Detention Centers is entrusted with monitoring and inspecting any place where criminal judgments are being executed, and it receives complaints from prisoners and detainees, stressing that the department is keen to take the necessary measures to release prisoners or those detained without a legitimate reason if any, and implement regulations against the offender.

He stressed that the release of the accused during the investigation phase is a discreet procedure and supported by several guarantees according to the Law of Criminal Procedures, pointing out that there is an accurate electronic law that tracks the movement of the arrested and imprisoned since the beginning of his arrest and detention. “There is no confusion or confrontation between the roles of the public prosecutor, the lawyer of the accused, and the court. The public prosecutor is an honorable opponent who is investigating the criminal justice supported by substantial evidence,” he said.

Al-Muajab ruled out any dropout among the staff of the Public Prosecution. However, some members leave the sector to take up jobs in other fields taking advantage of their basic qualifications and enhancement in legal knowledge due to their continuous professional development acquired while working with the Public Prosecution.

He stressed that the powers of the members of the Public Prosecution Office are codified and reasoned and are not subject to personal judgment, saying: “The order to file the case is enforceable with the support of the head of the department, except for major crimes. There are specialized committees that review and evaluate all measures taken by the prosecutor and evaluate them, taking into account the independence of members in this respect,” he said.

He described cybercrimes, which the individuals are committing unknowingly as “soft crimes,” while attributing the increase of such crimes to the widespread use of advanced technology programs and social media. He emphasized that the experiment of empowering women to work in the prosecution proved that women are able to be productive members in various works related to the prosecution.

Al-Muajab said the resolution of domestic violence file depends on the full awareness of community members of the importance of the individual and his right to enjoy all the rights guaranteed to him by the law of the land, affirming that the Saudi society has a great deal of understanding and awareness of the rights and duties that it enjoys. He pointed out that the existing regulations concerned with protection from abuse are being reviewed and updated by the competent authorities.