In a major move towards safeguarding individuals who risk their safety by providing information on crimes, the Saudi Council of Ministers has approved the Law for the Protection of Whistleblowers, Witnesses, Experts, and Victims.
The approval came during the weekly session of the Cabinet, which was chaired by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman in Riyadh.
Protecting whistleblowers
The law, comprising 39 articles, aims to provide security and protection to witnesses, victims, whistleblowers, experts, and their families from any form of threat, including assault, revenge, intimidation, and others.
By encouraging and facilitating information sharing, the law plays a pivotal role in combating crimes and ensuring the delivery of crucial evidence in court cases.
Dr. Essam bin Saad bin Saeed, Minister of State, Member of the Cabinet, and Acting Minister of Media, said that this law empowers judicial authorities to provide the necessary protection to individuals who come forward with information, ensuring their safety and preventing any form of harm or adverse impact on their ability to provide such information.
The Cabinet was also briefed on recent consultations and talks held by the Kingdom with several friendly nations.
Moreover, King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman received messages from the president of Gambia and the King of Spain, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic engagements.
During the session, the Cabinet commended the outcomes of the third meeting of the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council, co-chaired by the Saudi Crown Prince and his Bahraini counterpart, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa.
The signing of multiple agreements and memoranda of understanding between the two countries is expected to strengthen cooperation across various fields.
The Cabinet also stressed on the importance of ending the Israeli war in Gaza Strip, calling for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire.
The meeting also underscored the significance of implementing the two-state solution and recognising the State of Palestine within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The successful organisation of the World Defense Show was also commended by the Cabinet, which emphasised the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting the military industries sector and enhancing national capabilities in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
In addition, the Council authorised the Minister of Foreign Affairs or his deputy to discuss and sign a draft memorandum of understanding with Singapore regarding the establishment of a strategic partnership council between the two governments.
Other authorisations included discussions and signing of agreements in various fields such as environment, water, agriculture, digitisation, electronic manufacturing, direct investment, and scientific and educational cooperation with countries including Ethiopia, Eritrea, Burundi, Tanzania, Ghana, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya.
Furthermore, the Cabinet approved a cooperation agreement in the field of counter-terrorism and its financing between the Saudi Presidency of State Security and the National Counter Terrorism Agency of Indonesia.
It also approved a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of passenger security between the Saudi National Traveller Security Centre and the Nationality, Passports, and Residence Affairs of the Ministry of Interior of Bahrain.
With the approval of the Law for the Protection of Whistleblowers, Witnesses, Experts, and Victims, Saudi Arabia takes a crucial step towards ensuring the safety and security of those who come forward with valuable information, contributing to the nation’s ongoing efforts to combat crimes and uphold justice.
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