Riyadh, February 02: Terrorism is one of the major enemies of Saudi Arabia, said Justice Minister Muhammad Al-Eissa on Tuesday while meeting with a delegation from the American Commission for Religious Freedom.
He said suspected terrorists receive a fair trial in the Kingdom’s court and that a special anti-terror court in Riyadh has so far issued preliminary verdicts on 442 cases involving 765 Al-Qaeda militants.
“I would like to emphasize here, being the justice minister, that none of the detainees would be denied a fair trial. There is no exceptional justice for us and there is no double standard in our judicial values,” he said.
According to Abdullah Al-Saadan, the ministry’s spokesman, the militants were facing charges such as association with Al-Qaeda, participation in terrorism, funding terror, and accepting Al-Qaeda’s ideology and supporting its crimes.
The preliminary verdicts issued by the court ranged from jail sentences for different terms to capital punishment. The sentences also include fines, ban on traveling abroad and house arrest in a city of the criminal’s choice. The accused have also been given the right to defend themselves by appointing lawyers.
“We have suffered a lot as a result of terrorism. However, thanks to the support of God and our moderate policies, we have been able to contain it,” he said, adding that terrorism is the outcome of extremism and close-mindedness.
Al-Eissa emphasized that Saudi judges are well-qualified to do their job. “During my research, I have found that all sound constitutional or legal principles are based on Shariah teachings,” he explained.
–Agencies–