MINSK: Saudi Justice Minister Dr. Walid Al-Samaani has said that the Saudi judiciary preserves and protects human rights, during a visit to the Economic Court and the Supreme Court in Minsk, Belarus. Al-Samaani met the chairman of the Supreme Court, Valentin Sukalo, and judicial officials, during the visit. “There are numerous Saudi laws that protect human rights, such as the Basic Law of Governance that stresses the state’s responsibility to preserve these rights and the judicial procedures that constantly stipulate the rights of the parties to the case at all stages,” Al-Samaani said. “Judicial guarantees adopted by the Saudi judiciary focus on the right of everyone to litigation that ensures equality between the parties to the case during hearings, in addition to preserving the dignity of the accused.” “The Kingdom’s judicial system, due to King Salman’s and the crown prince’s support, witnessed the launching and implementation of many initiatives and projects that contributed to the development of Saudi justice and made qualitative leaps in all judicial areas,” he said. Al-Samaani said that the Basic Law of Governance established high standards and noble principles governing the Kingdom’s criminal justice system. “These standards and principles protect values, maintain security, preserve the rights of the parish and achieve social serenity,” he said. “The Saudi judiciary applies fair trial standards, preserves the rights and balances between protecting society’s interest and achieving justice.” Al-Samaani showcased the Saudi courts’ specializations and degrees, pointing out that “the Saudi Supreme Court adopts the judiciary’s general principles and rules. It also reviews some types of verdicts and decisions issued or endorsed by the courts of appeal. Saudis may also appeal to the Supreme Court in cases specified by the regulations.” This visit comes within the framework of the memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries’ ministries of justice last year. It aims to promote international partnerships, benefit from international judicial experiences, exchange expertise and cooperate in the provision of judicial and legal assistance and train human resources to implement the best judicial and legal practices.