Saudi Arabia launches whistleblower protection program

Saudi Arabia has officially launched a comprehensive program designed to protect whistleblowers, witnesses, experts, and victims, marking a significant step in bolstering legal safeguards within the Kingdom. The initiative, established under Article 4 of the Law on the Protection of Whistleblowers, Witnesses, Experts and Victims, aims to ensure the utmost security and safety for individuals involved in legal proceedings.

The program's administration, linked to the Public Prosecutor, comprises a president, deputy, and two members of the Public Prosecution, alongside representatives from key government bodies including the Interior Ministry, the Presidency of State Security, and the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority. Regulations published in the official Umm al-Qura newspaper, which took effect on Friday, outline specific measures to safeguard participants.

These regulations empower courts to conduct witness testimony and expert questioning away from the defendant and their legal counsel in specific circumstances. Such measures are applicable when a defendant has a history of harming witnesses or experts, poses a danger to others, or when the testimony is linked to organized criminal groups. In these sensitive cases, courts are also mandated to conceal the names of witnesses in judicial rulings to maintain their anonymity and safety.

The program's administration will handle protection requests, refer them to the relevant authorities, and provide recommendations to the Public Prosecutor. It will meticulously study protection recommendations, determine the precise nature of protection based on individual risks and circumstances, and decide on approval, rejection, or modification of protection measures. The administration will also coordinate with international bodies on legal assistance requests concerning protection, support courts in implementing protective measures, and ensure the confidentiality of protected individuals' data while considering their rights and freedoms.