Saudi Arabia's Shoura approves law to protect whistle-blowers

RIYADH — The Shoura Council on Tuesday approved a draft law to ensure protection of whistle-blowers, witnesses, experts and victims, who are at risk for providing information on crimes.

Yahya Al-Samaan, assistant president of the Council, said the law, with 39 articles, contributes to combating crimes by encouraging and facilitating information sharing and providing protection to informants, witnesses, experts and victims from any attacks or threats, material or moral harm, or anything that may adversely affect the delivery of such information, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The law was moved by Council members Dr. Muadi Al-Madhab and Dr. Ahmad Al-Ghadyan in accordance with Article 23 of the Shoura System.

Al-Samaan said the Council approved the law after listening to the views of the committee of human rights and the supervisory bodies regarding the members’ opinions on the draft law.

The Council also approved the draft university law, with the objective of achieving the highest quality and good performance of higher education as well as to enable the graduates preserve the Islamic and national identity.

According to Al-Samaan, the law was passed after taking into consideration the viewpoints and opinions of members. The law, which consists of 66 articles, aims at regulating the higher education and universities and improving the standards of students pursuing scientific and vocational courses.

The Council of University Affairs will work out appropriate mechanism and time bound plan to implement the rules of the law.