Minister of Justice Waleed Al-Samaani. (SPA)

Minister of Justice and Chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council Waleed Al-Samaani has rejected reports that some of the terrorists executed last week suffered from mental illnesses.

He said the Saudi judiciary was competent and professional and based its rulings on evidence, including official medical reports, according to a local media report on Tuesday.

Al-Samaani said the criminal courts in the Kingdom allow defendants to defend themselves after charges are announced. Ample time is given to prepare a defense.

He said defendants are also guaranteed the right to consult with legal counsel and the ministry may provide a lawyer if a defendant is unable to obtain one, which the person can choose.

Forty percent of all defendants tried at the Special Criminal Court have had lawyers provided for them by the ministry, with all costs covered, he said.

He said the judiciary guarantees that enough evidence is submitted regarding the crime, and the principle of “innocent until proven guilty” applies, in addition to guaranteeing that the defendant has the right to appeal the ruling.

Defendants can also call witnesses, and the court approves these requests in an effort to ensure justice and fairness, while defendants who cannot speak Arabic are provided translators by the court, he said.

As for terrorism cases, he said the judiciary looks into all aspects of the crime including financing, participation, organization and recruitment, all of which are basic standards recognized internationally.

Such crimes differ from others because they do not target one individual, but are rather aimed at causing social instability and chaos, thus demanding that the crime be viewed for its danger and impact.

Al-Samaani said procedures in Saudi courts are transparent, fair and clear, as required by Shariah, and free of any attempt to abuse defendants or plaintiffs in any way.

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