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Saudi Arabia Establishes Center to Protect Whistleblowers, Witnesses

Saudi Attorney General Sheikh Saud bin Abdullah Al-Mujib (SPA)
Saudi Attorney General Sheikh Saud bin Abdullah Al-Mujib (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Establishes Center to Protect Whistleblowers, Witnesses

Saudi Attorney General Sheikh Saud bin Abdullah Al-Mujib (SPA)
Saudi Attorney General Sheikh Saud bin Abdullah Al-Mujib (SPA)

Saudi Attorney General Sheikh Saud bin Abdullah Al-Mujib gave the green light on Wednesday to set up a center for protecting whistleblowers, witnesses, experts, and victims.
This move comes in implementation of Article Four of the Law for the Protection of Whistleblowers, Witnesses, Experts, and Victims.
The law, which was approved by the Council of Ministers on Feb. 13, aims at providing security to individuals who may come under threat for giving evidence in court cases.
Article Four specifies establishing a special program within the Public Prosecution to safeguard whistleblowers, witnesses, experts, and victims. It details the program's structure, management, tasks, authorities, and funding.
Sheikh Al-Mujib sees this as a significant step in providing legal protection for those involved in legal proceedings. He emphasized that this protection covers all necessary measures to safeguard these individuals and their relatives from harm.
He believes implementing such measures will encourage a culture of reporting and strengthen national responsibility.
The center aims to provide various forms of protection outlined in Article 14 of the system, including security, data privacy, relocation assistance, legal and psychological support, and financial aid.
The Public Prosecution stated it works closely with regulatory, investigative, and judicial bodies for cases under the system’s provisions. This involves taking necessary steps like protecting the identities and addresses of whistleblowers, witnesses, experts, and victims in documents to ensure their safety.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Public Prosecution Spokesperson Mohannad Al-Majlid explained that this collaboration includes drafting regulations with relevant ministries and authorities.
Al-Majlid explained that the center will be based in Riyadh and emphasized that the protection system applies to everyone, whether they are citizens or residents, based on the jurisdiction of the authorities enforcing the system.
The center will take steps to ensure the physical safety, health, and social adjustment of those under protection. Their rights will be respected, with restrictions imposed only when necessary.
Individuals under protection can request help according to set procedures and conditions. The system also allows protection without consent if there's an immediate threat.
It imposes penalties, including up to three years in jail and fines up to SAR 5 million, for any actions that harm those under protection.

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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran and Saudi Arabia’s mutual determination to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh, Ravanchi emphasized that achieving this goal requires sustained bilateral and regional cooperation to address current threats and build a foundation for prosperity and security.
During his meetings with the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Ravanchi discussed strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and consular fields, and explored key regional and international issues.
He described Saudi-Iranian efforts as a “successful model of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” aimed at fostering peace, security, and development on both regional and international levels. Ravanchi underscored the importance of historical ties and the principle of good neighborliness as the basis for advancing this relationship.
Following the second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee in Riyadh, both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry. The accord, mediated by China, aims to restore diplomatic ties and promote mutual respect for sovereignty and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
China praised the progress achieved since the agreement’s signing, including the reopening of embassies and increased bilateral engagement. It pledged to continue supporting Saudi-Iranian efforts to deepen their cooperation and maintain regional stability.
Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and was a member of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team with the P5+1, described the atmosphere of the meetings as “cordial and transparent.” He added that the three nations exchanged views on topics of mutual interest and stressed the importance of continuing this “positive and forward-looking process.” He also revealed “constructive and friendly” meetings held by the Iranian delegation with their Saudi hosts and Chinese counterparts, during which they discussed enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation and reviewed developments in relations over the past year.
One significant development has been the improvement in consular services. Over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims performed Hajj, and more than 52,000 completed Umrah in the past year, demonstrating enhanced coordination. Additionally, the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies further strengthened institutional ties.
The trilateral meeting also tackled pressing regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participants condemned Israel’s aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of humanitarian aid to affected regions. They warned that ongoing violence poses significant risks to regional and global security, including threats to maritime safety.
On Yemen, the parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution under United Nations auspices. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Saudi-Iranian relations have undergone a remarkable transformation since the signing of the Beijing Agreement. The reopening of embassies, including Iran’s embassy in Riyadh in June after a seven-year hiatus, marked a turning point in their ties.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Alireza Bigdeli described the day as a “historic milestone” in Saudi-Iranian relations. He expressed confidence that the renewed relationship would reach its peak, emphasizing that the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter in bilateral and regional relations, aimed at greater cooperation and stability.