Al-Samaani blasts foreign interference in internal affairs

Justice Minister Walid Al-Samaani strongly condemned recent statements from foreign parties targeting the country’s judicial system.
The minister, who is also the acting chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council, called on international leaders to understand the nature of the different communities and their respective values and moral principles.
Al-Samaani’s statement came in the backdrop of Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom’s pronouncements against the Kingdom’s Shariah laws that led Saudi Arabia to recall its envoy to Stockholm.
The minister said that such accusations are unwarranted and uncalled for, since the Saudi law is derived from the Book of Allah and the teachings and practices of His Prophet (peace be upon him).
The Saudi law, the minister emphasized, guarantees the dignity of all its citizens irrespective of race, religion, sex and language. “Everybody before our law is equal,” he reiterated.
“Our judiciary is fully independent and no authority is above the law. The judicial system ensures freedom of expression consistent with the Shariah law,” said Al-Saamani.
The minister pointed out that the Saudi government differentiates between freedom, prejudice, public order and breach of the values of society and security.
Local crimes are dealt with in accordance with the Saudi law, which are consistent with international norms and standards.
Moreover, the system ensures that a judgment is pronounced only after public hearings in a transparent manner. In addition, the accused is given an opportunity to choose his legal counsel to defend his case.
Saudi Arabia, the minister explained, is committed to the principles adopted by the United Nations and complies by the charter of non-interference in the internal affairs of any state.
“By the same token, the Kingdom does not accept any interference in its internal affairs,” he added.