JEDDAH: Minister of Justice and Chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council Waleed Al-Samaani has rejected reports that some of the terrorists executed last week suffered from mental illnesses.
He said the Saudi judiciary was competent and professional and based its rulings on evidence, including official medical reports, according to a local media report on Tuesday.
Al-Samaani said the criminal courts in the Kingdom allow defendants to defend themselves after charges are announced. Ample time is given to prepare a defense.
He said defendants are also guaranteed the right to consult with legal counsel and the ministry may provide a lawyer if a defendant is unable to obtain one, which the person can choose.
Forty percent of all defendants tried at the Special Criminal Court have had lawyers provided for them by the ministry, with all costs covered, he said.
He said the judiciary guarantees that enough evidence is submitted regarding the crime, and the principle of “innocent until proven guilty” applies, in addition to guaranteeing that the defendant has the right to appeal the ruling.
Defendants can also call witnesses, and the court approves these requests in an effort to ensure justice and fairness, while defendants who cannot speak Arabic are provided translators by the court, he said.
As for terrorism cases, he said the judiciary looks into all aspects of the crime including financing, participation, organization and recruitment, all of which are basic standards recognized internationally.
Such crimes differ from others because they do not target one individual, but are rather aimed at causing social instability and chaos, thus demanding that the crime be viewed for its danger and impact.
Al-Samaani said procedures in Saudi courts are transparent, fair and clear, as required by Shariah, and free of any attempt to abuse defendants or plaintiffs in any way.
No executed terrorist had a ‘mental illness’
No executed terrorist had a ‘mental illness’
Japan’s embassy marks emperor’s birthday in Riyadh
RIYADH: The Embassy of Japan in Saudi Arabia held a reception in Riyadh on Feb. 10 to mark the 66th birthday of Japan’s emperor, with senior Saudi officials and members of the diplomatic corps in attendance.
The event, hosted by Japanese Ambassador Yasunari Morino at his residence, was attended by Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudairy, deputy governor of the Riyadh region, who represented the Saudi government. Diplomats and other dignitaries were also present.
During the reception, Morino extended greetings ahead of Ramadan and congratulated Saudi Arabia on the occasion of Founding Day.
The ambassador referred to bilateral relations between Japan and Saudi Arabia, highlighting 2025 as marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties. He also noted Japan’s hosting of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, describing the event as a platform for cultural and economic exchange.
Morino emphasized the participation of Saudi officials and the Saudi Pavilion at the Expo, and said Japan was prepared to share its experience in the lead-up to Expo 2030 Riyadh.
Morino also pointed to cultural exchanges between the two countries, including a Japan Festival organized by the embassy last year. Looking ahead, he mentioned the upcoming Asian Games and Asian Para Games scheduled to take place in Nagoya, Aichi, later this year, expressing hope that the events would contribute to regional engagement.
The ambassador further addressed economic cooperation, citing the growing presence of Japanese companies in the Kingdom and the expansion of collaboration beyond the energy sector. He said the embassy would continue to support business and investment links between the two countries.
The reception featured cultural and sports elements, including a judo demonstration by Saudi youths trained by Japanese coaches. Japanese companies also displayed products and technologies related to sports, health and food.
