Public Prosecution: Who is the witness covered by protection in the Saudi system?

The Saudi Public Prosecution issued an important clarification regarding the legal aspects of the testimony process in criminal cases, highlighting in particular the definition of a "protected witness ," as part of its ongoing efforts to promote legal awareness and ensure the administration of justice in accordance with the latest judicial systems in the Kingdom.

Who is the witness covered by protection?

The Public Prosecution clarified that a witness under protection is any person who provides significant information they perceived through their senses, or who consents to provide such information to prove a crime covered by the provisions of the law. It emphasized that this definition is based on the Law for the Protection of Whistleblowers, Witnesses, Experts, and Victims , which stipulates the protection of anyone who provides information that contributes to uncovering a crime, ensuring their physical and psychological safety and safeguarding their material and moral rights.

Legal context and importance of the system

This clarification comes within the context of the qualitative shift witnessed by the legislative and judicial system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, specifically following the Cabinet's approval of the Law for the Protection of Whistleblowers, Witnesses, Experts, and Victims. This law is a fundamental pillar in combating crime in all its forms, as it aims to encourage members of society to cooperate with security and judicial authorities without fear of retaliation or threats.

The importance of this measure lies in providing a safe environment for witnesses, as witness testimony is among the most crucial pieces of evidence in criminal cases. Without adequate protection, many may refrain from testifying for fear of their lives or interests, potentially leading to perpetrators escaping punishment and the loss of justice.

Types of protection and their expected impact

According to the general framework of the system, protection is not limited to physical safety only, but extends to include the protection of personal data, the possibility of giving testimony using technical means that conceal the identity of the witness when necessary, in addition to providing functional protection to prevent any administrative abuse against the witness because of his testimony.

It is expected that activating these concepts and strictly enforcing the system will contribute to:

• Increased crime detection rates, especially for organized crime and corruption crimes.
• Enhancing public confidence in the judicial and security apparatus.
• Achieving the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 related to transparency, integrity and the rule of law.

The Public Prosecution concluded by emphasizing that the protection of witnesses is not merely a procedural measure, but a national and legal duty that the state is committed to in order to ensure that no one is harmed as a result of performing his duty to reveal the truth.