The Kingdom has an open justice system, but is working on improving various aspects of the judiciary, said Justice Minister Dr. Muhammad Al-Isa, during a visit to the European Parliament in Brussels recently.

The visit forms part of the Kingdom’s plan to reform its judicial system by considering the best practices in other countries. The project was ordered by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.

In an open meeting with the parliament’s foreign affairs committee, Al-Isa explained how the country’s justice system protects the rights and liberties of citizens and expatriates. He also briefed the parliamentarians on how Islamic law is used based on the Qur’an and Sunnah.

“To have various interpretations of the text does not diminish its relevance, nor does it make it confusing, as some interpreters seem to imply,” he said.

“This is similar to the various interpretations we find of constitutional theories and principles in other countries. It is the job of the judiciary, which has interpretative power, to try to standardize opinions and opt for the most optimal interpretation that can achieve the spirit of justice,” he said.

The minister said that the Saudi judiciary does cooperate and accept foreign rulings and arbitrations as long as they do not contravene the general system of the state, and provided there is an agreement of reciprocal treatment.

A number of European parliamentarians asked the minister questions about the law, justice and religious liberties in Saudi Arabia. They also asked about legal theories regarding criminal justice and Islamic methods of punishment. They asked for specific information on capital punishment, women’s rights and international treaties and conventions.

The minister said that information on Saudi Arabia has been misrepresented. “A basic principle of justice is to ascertain what the other party has said. We are willing to give true and accurate information to whoever asks for it, and we are responsible for its accuracy,” he said.

The minister said there has been false reporting of some criminal and civil cases in Saudi Arabia. “It does not make sense to fall prey to a piece of information taken out of context ... and start making judgments accordingly,” he said.