Justice Minister Waleed Al-Samaani.

The Ministry of Justice has warned all judges and ministry officials from issuing media statements and engaging with journalists without first obtaining approval from the ministry. It added that both the ministry and the Supreme Judicial Council have appointed official spokesmen to deal with media outlets regarding any judicial issues.

The move aims to ensure the judiciary does not partake in any activity that threatens their impartiality, neutrality independence when dealing with legal affairs, as the position requires. The Supreme Judicial Council had previously issued a decision prohibiting all employees in judicial circuits in the Kingdom from appearing, speaking with, or participating in any visual, audio, or written media outlet, as per the provisions of the Royal Decree issued on April 16, 2012.

Former judge Nasr Al-Yamani confirmed this decree had been issued four years ago, followed by another decision in response to queries by the judiciary also prohibiting participation and discussions via social networking outlets.

“The decision has been taken because many judges have been criticized, attacked and insulted while participating in public forums, and this is not permissible,” he said. “A special site for the judiciary was launched as a portal to exchange information and useful judicial sources, away from public arguments.” As for the prohibition of judges from using social media, Al-Yamani said this decision has many negative outcomes, prompting him to object to the move. Judges, he argued, should not be prohibited from connecting with the public and becoming knowledgeable of what is happening in their social surroundings.

Meanwhile, Khaled Al-Youssef, the newly appointed chairman of the Board of Grievances and Administrative Council of the Judiciary, requested all judges and employees of the Board of Grievances to submit their complaints about any obstacles or issues challenging the work of courts, judiciary and administrative offices, as well as any recommendations for addressing these issues, within five days. These issues are expected to be addressed during an upcoming meeting.

Sources quoted by the local media confirm that the move aims to “develop the work and mechanisms of the judiciary, with active participation of all employees of the Board of Grievances, in order to improve performance and boost productivity as per the aspirations of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.”

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