RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Attorney General Sheikh Saud Al Mojeb said on Sunday that the government and private officials recently detained over corruption charges will not get special treatment because of their status.
According to a report in the Asharq Al-Awsat Newspaper, Mojeb said the newly-formed anti-corruption body of the Kingdom is undertaking its measures in accordance with the law.
On Sunday, Saudi Arabia detained 11 princes, four ministers and tens of former ministers, including the head of the national guard, the navy chief and economy minister.
Mojeb, who is also a member of the supreme anti-corruption committee formed by King Salman on Sunday, said in a statement: “The committee has initiated a number of investigations as part of the state’s judicial duty to combat corruption.”
“The government of Saudi Arabia is undertaking these measures in accordance with its laws and regulations in a manner appropriate to the nature of the crimes,” he stressed.
“There is an independent judicial process underway, which will be fully respected,” he declared.
“Everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and everyone’s legal rights will be preserved,” he added.
“These actions were taken as a result of widespread consultations among the committee’s relevant bodies that comprise the heads of the National Anti-Corruption Commission; the Control and Investigation Board; the General Auditing Bureau; as well as the Attorney General at the Public Prosecutor’s Office; and the head of the Presidency of State Security. Committee membership stretches across all relevant government offices to ensure proper checks and balances,” he said further.
“This is part of an overhaul to ensure transparency, openness and good governance,” concluded the statement.