KSA Initiates Investigations, Pleadings in 'Corruption Cases'

Saudi Arabia's Ritz-Carlton hotel that houses those detained in the corruption probe. PHOTO: AFP
Saudi Arabia's Ritz-Carlton hotel that houses those detained in the corruption probe. PHOTO: AFP
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KSA Initiates Investigations, Pleadings in 'Corruption Cases'

Saudi Arabia's Ritz-Carlton hotel that houses those detained in the corruption probe. PHOTO: AFP
Saudi Arabia's Ritz-Carlton hotel that houses those detained in the corruption probe. PHOTO: AFP

Saudi Arabia’s public prosecutor has begun investigations and opening arguments in the corruption cases of princes, top officials and businessmen.

Saud al-Hamad, deputy attorney general for investigations, told Al Sharq Al Awsat that whoever is charged will be referred to court for prosecution in cases related to money laundering or terrorism.

Hamad said some of those under investigation had failed to respect confidential agreements while others committed further, unspecified, offenses.

Hamad underscored the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al-Aziz and the Crown Prince on clearing corruption from the country, noting that the Kingdom, which is under major development steps within its Vision 2030, needed to be protected from corruption.

He further stressed the role of the citizen in fighting corruption and the importance of activating the role of all government agencies that deal with countering corruption and promoting integrity.

The anti-corruption campaign is part of Prince Mohammed’s push to transform an oil-dependent economy and rid the kingdom of corruption.



Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council Holds 1st Meeting, Riyadh Designated as Permanent HQ

Officials responsible for cybersecurity in the Arab League member states who attended the meeting in Riyadh. SPA
Officials responsible for cybersecurity in the Arab League member states who attended the meeting in Riyadh. SPA
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Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council Holds 1st Meeting, Riyadh Designated as Permanent HQ

Officials responsible for cybersecurity in the Arab League member states who attended the meeting in Riyadh. SPA
Officials responsible for cybersecurity in the Arab League member states who attended the meeting in Riyadh. SPA

Saudi Arabia has signed a headquarters agreement with the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers, under which the council will designate the city of Riyadh as its permanent headquarters.

The agreement, signed on the sidelines of the first regular session of the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers, which was held on Monday in the Saudi capital, also includes the council’s affiliated bodies, including the general secretariat and the executive office.

Saudi Arabia, represented by the Governor of the National Cybersecurity Authority, Eng. Majed bin Mohammed Al-Mazyed, chaired the first regular session of the council.

The session was attended by officials responsible for cybersecurity in the Arab League member states and the Secretary-General of the organization, Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

In his opening statement, Al-Mazyed affirmed that the Kingdom's initiative to propose the establishment of the Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council stems from its firm and fundamental principle of preserving Arab collective security.

The council was established based on a proposal put forward by Saudi Arabia to comprise Arab ministers responsible for cyber security affairs. It falls within the scope of the Arab League and operates under the umbrella of the league’s council. The council’s tasks include formulating general policies, developing strategies, and setting priorities to enhance joint Arab cybersecurity work.
The council also addresses all cybersecurity issues and developments related to security, economic, developmental, and legislative aspects. It is responsible for approving joint Arab cybersecurity plans for implementing the endorsed policies and strategies.

The Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers also approved Monday the appointment of Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al-Furaih as the council's secretary-general for a five-year term.