Speaking to Mohammed ibn Fahd Al-Abdullah, president of the board, his two deputies and heads of the organization’s branches in the Kingdom’s regions, Naif said: “The innocents’ innocence and the criminals’ crimes should be established quickly.”
Prince Naif emphasized the board’s significant role in promoting justice.
“The board shoulders a great and sensitive responsibility in dealing with issues relating to citizens and residents,” he added. “It assists judges in understanding the case properly in order to make correct judgments.”
The minister stressed the need for the board members adopting modern methods to do their job, considering the fact that criminals use sophisticated methods to commit and conceal their crimes.
He said investigators should not leave out any important elements related to the case while speedily completing their work. “If we fail to present the case completely, supported with documents of evidence and confessions, the judge will hesitate to convict the accused.”
Prince Naif pointed out that the Criminal Procedures Law was allowing detention of the accused for a specific period. “The law allows the release of prisoners on bail…, so we don’t want a large number of prisoners in our jails,” the Saudi Press Agency quoted the prince saying.
He also emphasized that justice should be given priority before clemency and pardon. He referred to the government’s efforts to pardon those prisoners who were arrested for petty crimes and insolvency, especially during Ramadan and Eid festivals.
Reiterating the significance of the board, he said: “Its officials are appointed, relieved and retired by a royal order.”
He cautioned the media against making exaggerated reports and urged media persons to be truthful and objective and approach competent authorities to get answers. “We have appointed a spokesman in every police directorates to respond to people and the press.”
Prince Naif added: “Journalists believe in sensationalism to make their reports attractive and exciting for people and readers but they don’t think about their responsibility.” He said there should be accountability for this matter.
The interior minister reiterated independence of the Kingdom’s judicial system. “The ruler has never violated or disrupted a verdict, but if there is a remark on any judgment, it will be referred to higher judicial authorities.”
Prince Naif emphasized that all board officials should be qualified to do their job. “If they are not, they should find job in some other place,” he added.
He said the judges should have strong faith in God and resolution in order to give correct verdicts. “Truth cannot be established except with firmness, force and justice.” Prince Naif later launched the board’s website.
