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.



Saudi Arabia to Host First Meeting of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council

The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat
The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Arabia to Host First Meeting of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council

The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat
The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Arabia, represented by the National Cybersecurity Authority, is set to host on Monday the inaugural meeting of the Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council.

The meeting will be attended by ministers and officials responsible for cybersecurity in Arab League member states, alongside the organization’s Secretary General, Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

The agenda includes discussions on key topics of mutual interest, such as drafting the Arab cybersecurity strategy, organizing joint cybersecurity exercises, and reviewing working papers submitted by Arab League member states. These initiatives aim to foster enhanced cooperation in cybersecurity across the Arab region.

The Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council, established following a proposal by Saudi Arabia and endorsed by all Arab countries, is tasked with formulating general policies, strategies, and priorities to advance joint Arab efforts in cybersecurity.

Its objectives include enhancing collaboration, coordinating efforts among Arab states on cybersecurity issues, sharing knowledge and expertise, and safeguarding member states' interests in international cybersecurity organizations. The council also seeks to develop a unified Arab stance on cybersecurity matters in international forums and contribute to creating a secure and trustworthy Arab cyberspace that promotes growth and prosperity for all member states.