RIYADH, 14 April 2006 — Deputy Interior Minister Prince Ahmad has denied there was any political prisoner in the Kingdom’s jails, Asharq Al-Awsat, a sister publication of Arab News reported yesterday.
Speaking to the press after opening the historical picture archives of the Model Asima Institute in Riyadh, Prince Ahmad said that the country did not imprison any person on political grounds.
“I do not know what is meant by the term political prisoners as it often means politicians who oppose the prevailing political setup in a particular country,” he said.
“However, it is not applicable to the system in our country. We have in prisons groups of terrorists and their collaborators and violators of Shariah or civil regulations.”
On a question about the delay in the implementation of verdicts in the case of some terrorists and whether the delay would encourage terrorists, Prince Ahmad said, “The implementation of verdicts are never delayed once they are issued.”
The prince observed that hard-core terrorists were killed in encounters and there could only be a few more who are on trial. The delay is caused only because of the process of investigation.
“It is very important that we get all information so that justice is done, and do not hurry in such matters,” the prince said. “Delay in bringing some people to trial is better than rushing through the matter; justice is our aim.
“We also want to get the facts so that every violator is punished in the manner he deserves according to the Shariah.”
The prince added that anyone who assists terrorists, such as helping them or harboring them knowingly, is equally culpable.
The deputy interior minister also denied any collaboration between Iraqi and Saudi security forces.
“There is no direct cooperation with them as that country has its own problems; there is currently no government with which to interact.”
The prince also addressed the issue of border security and weapons smuggling. “Efforts are under way to bring the borders through which weapons are smuggled under vigilance. “Only very few weapons, such as improvised explosives, are indigenously made. Machine guns, revolvers and explosives come from outside.”
The minister affirmed that the Kingdom is determined to deport all undocumented migrants even if it meant financial loss to the country.
