Former Saudi Shura Council Member, Ambassador, Judges, Officers Charged with Corruption

Former Saudi Shura Council Member, Ambassador, Judges, Officers Charged with Corruption
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Former Saudi Shura Council Member, Ambassador, Judges, Officers Charged with Corruption

Former Saudi Shura Council Member, Ambassador, Judges, Officers Charged with Corruption

The Saudi Oversight and Anti-Corruption Agency (Nazaha) charged on Tuesday several individuals with corruption.

A former Shura Council member was convicted of bribery. He was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison and fined 500,000 SR.

Six citizens were also convicted of bribery. They were sentenced to two years and six months in jail and fined 100,000 SR each.

A judge, head of an Execution Court, was convicted of abuse of position for personal benefit and gain. He was sentenced to a year in prison.

A retired officer, with the rank of Brigadier, and two non-commissioned officers, from the Ministry of Defense, and an employee, who formerly worked in a bureau of military affairs outside the Kingdom, were convicted of forgery and using counterfeit documents, abuse of their position for personal gain, and misappropriation of public funds. They were sentenced to a year in prison and fines of 20,000 SR each.

A former judge at a General Court was convicted of bribery and with the participation of another judge in issuing an improper ruling. He was sentenced to four years and six months in prison and fined 110,000 SR.

Another judge at the same court was convicted of bribery. He was sentenced to two years in prison and fined 10,000 SR.

A former head of a municipality was convicted of misuse of position, where he transported state-owned equipment and machines to use in his own farm. He was sentenced to eight months in prison.

A non-commissioned officer working in the General Administration of Prisons was convicted of bribery and smuggling contraband into prison. He was sentenced to four years in prison and fined 60,000 SR.

A former ambassador was convicted of abuse of position for personal gain and embezzlement of public funds and was sentenced to five years in jail.

Nazaha stressed it will continue to pursue anyone who exploits public office for personal gain or harm public interest in any way. Criminal proceedings will continue to be taken against them for prosecution in a court of law.



EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
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EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)

Luigi Di Maio, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf region, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the recent visit by the President of the European Council to Saudi Arabia was to prepare for the upcoming EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Brussels on October 16.

This will be the first summit between the two regional organizations, with leaders from both sides attending, marking a significant step in their cooperation.

Di Maio stressed the importance of strong ties between leaders, noting that European Council President Charles Michel has been dedicated to strengthening these relations since his first visit to the Gulf two years ago, when he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah.

He added that since 2022, EU-Gulf relations have improved, with a focus on cooperation in areas like climate change, trade, investment, digitization, and sustainable supply chains.

Di Maio emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue to build mutual understanding and deepen these relations.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s key role in global affairs, especially in seeking solutions for the Gaza conflict, reducing tensions in the Middle East, and pursuing a just peace in Ukraine.

He stressed that closer cooperation between the EU and Saudi Arabia is essential in tackling these issues.

Di Maio praised Thursday’s preparatory meeting in Riyadh between GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi and Michel, calling it “timely and constructive” for the upcoming summit.

He emphasized both sides’ commitment to making the summit a success, noting that it will “send a strong signal about elevating EU-Gulf relations to a strategic level.”

Di Maio outlined the key topics for discussion at the summit in Brussels, including climate action, the green transition, digital advancements, trade, investments, and visa exemptions.

He added that the summit will also address major geopolitical challenges, particularly in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.