Saudi Arabia Launches Programme to Protect Whistleblowers, Witnesses and Victims

Saudi Arabia has introduced a comprehensive national framework aimed at strengthening the protection of whistleblowers, witnesses, experts and victims involved in criminal and corruption-related proceedings, marking a significant step in safeguarding individuals who assist authorities in sensitive investigations.

The programme has been established under the Law on the Protection of Whistleblowers, Witnesses, Experts and Victims and will operate under the supervision of the Public Prosecution. Its implementation will be overseen by a specialised committee comprising representatives from the Public Prosecution, the Ministry of Interior, the Presidency of State Security, and the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority Nazaha.

According to recently published implementing regulations reported by Al Sharq Al Awsat, the framework empowers authorities to adopt a wide range of protective measures designed to ensure the safety and confidentiality of individuals whose cooperation may expose them to retaliation or harm.

In high-risk cases, particularly those involving organised criminal networks or credible threats to witnesses, courts may be permitted to hear testimony and expert evidence without the presence of defendants or their legal representatives. The regulations also allow for the withholding of witness identities from court rulings when necessary to prevent exposure.

The programme will be responsible for receiving protection requests, assessing risk levels, recommending appropriate safeguards and coordinating with relevant state bodies to implement security arrangements. It will also support judicial authorities and may cooperate with foreign counterparts on protection-related matters where required.

A broad range of protective measures has been outlined, including relocation, personal security arrangements, issuance of temporary identification documents, provision of alternative residential addresses, electronic monitoring and surveillance systems. In certain cases, and with the written consent of the individual concerned, communication monitoring may also be authorised as part of security protocols.

Applications for protection may be submitted by whistleblowers, witnesses, experts, victims or their legal representatives through regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies, investigative authorities, courts, or directly to the programme administration.

Authorities will assess each request based on several factors, including the severity of the threat, the importance of the information provided, the individual’s health and social circumstances, and whether family members or close associates may also face risk.

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