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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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Gulf

IMCTC Signs Cooperation Memorandum with Saudi Fund for Development

The deal was signed on behalf of IMCTC by its Secretary-General Major General Mohammed Al-Moghedi, while SFD was represented by its CEO Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad - SPA
The deal was signed on behalf of IMCTC by its Secretary-General Major General Mohammed Al-Moghedi, while SFD was represented by its CEO Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad - SPA
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IMCTC Signs Cooperation Memorandum with Saudi Fund for Development

The deal was signed on behalf of IMCTC by its Secretary-General Major General Mohammed Al-Moghedi, while SFD was represented by its CEO Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad - SPA
The deal was signed on behalf of IMCTC by its Secretary-General Major General Mohammed Al-Moghedi, while SFD was represented by its CEO Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad - SPA

The Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) signed a cooperation memorandum with the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) in Riyadh, as part of efforts to strengthen strategic partnership and integrate the two sides’ efforts in supporting development projects and initiatives in the coalition’s member states.

The memorandum was signed on behalf of IMCTC by its Secretary-General Major General Mohammed Al-Moghedi, while SFD was represented by its CEO Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, SPA reported.

The memorandum aims to establish a general framework for cooperation and coordination between the two sides that supports the implementation of sustainable development projects in member states, enhancing their readiness and capacity to confront challenges related to terrorism through a scientific methodology and institutional integration aligned with each side’s mandates.

The areas of cooperation include joint action in managing the coalition’s projects and initiatives across member states, aligning these projects with SFD's activities and programs, exchanging expertise through specialized workshops, benefiting from shared studies and reports, and highlighting the efforts of both sides in regional and international forums.

Gulf

UN Secretary-General Visits KSrelief Headquarters in Riyadh

Al Rabeeah discussed with Guterres topics of mutual interest related to humanitarian and relief affairs - SPA
Al Rabeeah discussed with Guterres topics of mutual interest related to humanitarian and relief affairs - SPA
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UN Secretary-General Visits KSrelief Headquarters in Riyadh

Al Rabeeah discussed with Guterres topics of mutual interest related to humanitarian and relief affairs - SPA
Al Rabeeah discussed with Guterres topics of mutual interest related to humanitarian and relief affairs - SPA

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and his accompanying delegation visited the headquarters of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in Riyadh on Thursday.

During the visit, he met with Advisor at the Royal Court and KSrelief Supervisor-General Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, as well as a number of the center’s senior officials, in the presence of Saudi Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Alwasil, SPA reported.

Al Rabeeah discussed with Guterres topics of mutual interest related to humanitarian and relief affairs, as well as ways to strengthen cooperation between KSrelief and the various UN organizations.

During the meeting, a visual presentation was given on the center’s projects and programs, which have so far reached 3,881 projects in 109 countries, with a total value exceeding $8 billion.

These include specialized initiatives such as the Prosthetic Programs, the Masam Project for clearing landmines in Yemen, the program for reintegrating Yemeni children previously associated with armed conflict, in addition to voluntary medical programs, the Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme, and the establishment of digital humanitarian, volunteer, documentation, and international registration platforms, among many other significant humanitarian initiatives.

Guterres then toured the permanent exhibition in the center’s main hall, which features an interactive map showing countries benefiting from KSrelief projects, audiovisual storytelling stations showcasing impactful humanitarian stories, a screen highlighting the center’s volunteer programs, and a section allowing visitors to write humanitarian messages.

The exhibition also includes virtual reality goggles that let visitors experience the daily lives of refugees and displaced people.

He also met with several Saudi medical volunteers participating in medical missions implemented outside the Kingdom and listened to their personal experiences in carrying out the center’s volunteer projects.

Afterward, he visited the offices of KSrelief’s partner organizations and international agencies, where representatives briefed him on their joint work with the center.

Guterres later affirmed in a press statement to SPA that the Kingdom has maintained its firm commitment to providing humanitarian assistance, particularly during these challenging times in which humanitarian aid is, regrettably, no longer as widespread globally as it once was.

Guterres noted that KSrelief stands as a prominent model of generosity, dedication, efficiency, and the exceptional quality of services it provides to those affected and most in need in numerous countries, including Yemen, Somalia, Syria, and others. He added that visiting the center offers a clear view of the remarkable humanitarian work it carries out and reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to this noble approach.

He also praised the center’s success in building an extensive global network of partnerships, demonstrating its professionalism and leadership in humanitarian work.

Gulf

OIC Strongly Condemns New Israeli Settlement Plans in Occupied West Bank

The Israeli settlement of Har Homa, seen from the West Bank city of Bethlehem, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. (AP)
The Israeli settlement of Har Homa, seen from the West Bank city of Bethlehem, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. (AP)
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OIC Strongly Condemns New Israeli Settlement Plans in Occupied West Bank

The Israeli settlement of Har Homa, seen from the West Bank city of Bethlehem, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. (AP)
The Israeli settlement of Har Homa, seen from the West Bank city of Bethlehem, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. (AP)

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned in the strongest terms the Israeli occupation authorities’ approval of annexation and expansion plans via the construction of 764 new settlement units, as well as a plan for 17 new settlements in the occupied West Bank over the next five years, as part of attempts to foist their so-called sovereignty on the occupied Palestinian territory.

The OIC stressed that the Israeli colonial settlement policy constitutes a war crime and flagrant violation of international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, notably Security Council resolution no. 2334 and the legal opinions issued by the International Court of Justice, SPA reported.

The OIC renewed its call on the international community, particularly the Security Council, to assume its responsibility and take immediate measures to end all the crimes and violations being perpetrated by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian people, their territory, and holy sites.