Attorney General: Judicial independence and the development of the justice system in the Kingdom
Attorney General Sheikh Saud bin Abdullah Al-Muajab affirmed that the justice system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is witnessing a golden age thanks to the unlimited support and continuous attention of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Prime Minister – may God protect them both. Al-Muajab pointed out that this support has directly contributed to the rapid development of the Public Prosecution's performance and indicators, thus strengthening its position as a bastion of justice and consolidating its complete judicial independence.
This came during his chairmanship, on Thursday, of the periodic meeting of the heads of regional prosecutions, in the presence of assistant public prosecutors and a number of leaders, where performance results and achievement rates were reviewed, and mechanisms for developing criminal procedures were discussed.
Historical context and strategic shift
The Attorney General's remarks come within the context of the major transformations witnessed by the Kingdom's judicial system since the launch of Vision 2030. The Royal Decree changing the name of the Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution to the "Public Prosecution" and linking it directly to the King marked a historic turning point, granting the body complete independence from the executive branch, thus ensuring the impartiality of investigations and the integrity of procedures. In this regard, Al-Muajeb noted that the formation of the "Public Prosecution Council" represented a qualitative organizational shift that contributed to consolidating the legal framework for prosecutorial work and enhancing the effectiveness of institutional governance.
Guidelines on prisons and human rights
As part of the Public Prosecution's commitment to upholding rights, the Attorney General stressed the need to intensify oversight and inspection tours of prisons and detention centers. He emphasized the importance of directly assessing the conditions of inmates and detainees, listening to their complaints, and addressing their concerns promptly, thus ensuring their enjoyment of all their legally and religiously guaranteed rights. This reflects the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to human rights standards.
Governmental integration and swift justice
Sheikh Al-Muajab emphasized the importance of strengthening coordination with relevant government agencies, stressing the need to solidify integrated work to contribute to achieving swift justice and enhancing institutional performance. He directed the heads of prosecution offices to expedite case processing and streamline procedures for beneficiaries in accordance with applicable regulations, ensuring that the interests of citizens and residents are not disrupted.
Expected impact locally and internationally
The Public Prosecution's developmental steps have implications not only for domestic affairs but also for enhancing the Kingdom's international reputation in rule of law and transparency indicators. A strong and independent prosecution service is a cornerstone for attracting foreign investment, as investors always seek a stable and fair legal environment. These reforms also bolster public trust in the judicial system, contributing to security and social stability, and achieving the Kingdom's goals for a high quality of life.
