RIYADH: Justice Minister Walid Al-Samaani said that directives from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman to protect the rights of citizens and public properties are being strictly implemented.

“All legal measures are being taken to hold accountable all those who try to manipulate the issuance of such directives,” he said.

Al-Samaani, also the chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council, made the statement after recently canceling a number of land deeds due to perceived irregularities.

He added that there was “zero tolerance for the erring individuals.”

He said that the Justice Ministry monitors and scrutinizes all suspicious land deeds issued in informal ways or not in accordance with accepted procedure.

“We will take all measures to hold accountable those involved in the issuance of such land deeds, whether they’re senior officials or clerks,” he said.

He added that those proven guilty will face the consequences of their actions in accordance with the Kingdom’s statutory procedures.

Al-Samaani said that there are a number of instruments issued irregularly but that there are special committees to study and examine their legality. Earlier, the Ministry of Justice issued several circulars and directives that confirm the legality and accuracy in the issuance of such land deeds.

At present, the ministry is continuing to monitor suspicious and irregular land deeds in accordance with strict directives of King Salman.

“Such directives aim to protect the citizens, residents and state by monitoring for manipulation or fraud in the issuance of such land deeds,” he said.