RIYADH: The Shoura Council suggested on Monday that due consideration be given to human rights and dignity while prosecuting or investigating suspected cases.
The comments were made at a session presided over by the council's Vice President Bandar Al-Hajjar.
In a statement released following the session, Muhammad Al-Ghamdi, secretary-general of the Shoura Council, said the suggestion was made by members while discussing the submissions of the Islamic Affairs and Justice Committee that were presented on the basis of the annual report of the Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution.
"The members felt that maximum care should be exercised when dealing with the investigation and prosecution of people. The officials should ensure protection and security of those who are questioned and they should be carried out in accordance with the guidelines of the Holy Qur'an and traditions of the Prophet (peace be upon him)," Al-Ghamdi said.
He added that this would preserve the image of the Kingdom, which is well known for implementing Shariah law and holds the Holy Qur'an as its constitution. The members strongly recommended that the rights of individuals and human dignity should be respected in all cases and in all circumstances.
The members also stressed that proactive measures need to be taken to determine the causes of high crime rates in specific areas, and reduce and prevent crime in those areas.
To ensure efficiency of services, Al-Ghamdi said the council is of the opinion that the Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution should have permanent branches in all parts of the Kingdom.
The members requested the Islamic Affairs and Justice Committee studies the suggestions and submits a revised report at a subsequent meeting.
During the session, the council agreed on the necessity of accelerating the process of setting up a timetable for the implementation of a plan to develop the structure of the Kingdom's electricity industry and forcing all concerned departments to implement it. The agreement came after the discussion of a report by the Electricity and Co-Generation Regulatory Authority.
The council also requested the Communications and Information Technology Commission to enhance efficiency in the services offered by telephone operators. Al-Ghamdi said that the members felt that telephone users should get value for their money.
"Effective steps must be taken to prevent nuisance calls that disturb customers," the secretary-general said, stressing that the problem has become widespread.
Phone operators should find solutions to complaints made by consumers and remedial measures be implemented to prevent a recurrence. "The common billing disputes of mobile phone users should be resolved and customers should not be asked to pay for calls that they have not made."
© Arab News 2010
