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Saudi Attorney General: Anti-Corruption Committee Kicked Off Judicial Probes

Saudi Attorney General: Anti-Corruption Committee Kicked Off Judicial Probes

Sunday, 5 November, 2017 - 17:45
A view of the Saudi capital Riyadh. (AFP)

Sheikh Saud Al Mojeb, Attorney General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and member of the supreme anti-corruption committee formed by Royal Order on Saturday by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, announced on Sunday that the committee was undertaking its measures in accordance to the law.


He said in a statement: “The committee has initiated a number of investigations as part of the state’s judicial duty to combat corruption.”


“The government of Saudi Arabia is undertaking these measures in accordance with its laws and regulations in a manner appropriate to the nature of the crimes,” he stressed.


“The suspects are being granted the same rights and treatment as any other Saudi citizen. A suspect’s position or status does not influence the firm and fair application of justice. During the investigation, all parties retain full legal privileges relating to their personal and private property, including funds.”


“There is an independent judicial process underway, which will be fully respected,” declared the attorney general.


“The establishment of the committee formalizes an ongoing process of existing investigations that needs to be concluded with due diligence and in accordance with the law. Everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and everyone’s legal rights will be preserved.


“These actions were taken as a result of widespread consultations among the committee’s relevant bodies that comprise the heads of the National Anti-Corruption Commission; the Control and Investigation Board; the General Auditing Bureau; as well as the Attorney General at the Public Prosecutor’s Office; and the head of the Presidency of State Security. Committee membership stretches across all relevant government offices to ensure proper checks and balances.


“This is part of an overhaul to ensure transparency, openness and good governance,” concluded the statement.


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