Rights official briefed on reforms

RIYADH, 22 October— Justice Minister Abdullah Al-Sheikh yesterday briefed Dato Param Cumaraswamy, UN special rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, on measures adopted to implement Shariah and the jurisdiction of courts, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The minister underscored the independence of the judiciary in the Kingdom and its three-tier litigation system, highlighting three bills introduced this year to reform the justice system.

The bills spell out the rights of defendants and suspects before courts and the police, regulate the legal profession and allow lawyers to represent defendants in cases of criminal offenses.