GCC Statement Describes Iranian Attacks as Terrorist Acts Undermining Peace

Saudi Arabia has established a comprehensive program to safeguard whistleblowers, witnesses, experts, and victims, aiming to ensure their security and safety throughout legal processes.

The initiative, formalized under Article 4 of the Law on the Protection of Whistleblowers, Witnesses, Experts and Victims, is overseen by the Public Prosecutor's office. Its administrative body comprises members from the Public Prosecution, the Interior Ministry, the Presidency of State Security, and the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority.

Regulations published in the official Umm al-Qura newspaper permit courts to take testimony from witnesses and experts outside the presence of the defendant and their legal counsel. This measure is reserved for cases where the defendant has a history of harming witnesses or experts, poses a danger, or is linked to organized crime where not all members have been apprehended. In such instances, witness identities will be concealed in judicial rulings.

The program, effective from Friday, involves receiving protection requests, referring them to relevant authorities for review, and submitting recommendations to the Public Prosecutor. The administration will assess risks, determine appropriate protection measures, which can include electronic means, and ensure the protected person's rights and freedoms are maintained. Confidentiality of data is paramount, and the administration will periodically reassess risks and coordinate with authorities for the protected individual's well-being and social adjustment.