Saudi’s Shoura Council approves draft law to protect whistleblowers

Saudi Arabia’s Shoura Council on Tuesday approved a draft law to ensure the protection of whistleblowers and others put at risk by providing information on crimes.

The advisory council’s assistant president Yahya Al-Samaan said the law contains 39 articles to combat crime and encourage, facilitate and protect informants, witnesses, experts and victims, according to Saudi Press Agency.

Al-Samaan said the council approved the law after listening to the views of the committee of human rights and supervisory bodies.

The whistleblower law being studied by the council first drew attention last November, as the kingdom began an anti-corruption crackdown that netted hundreds of businessman, royals and former officials.

At the time, government representatives said at least $100bn had been stolen through graft.

Many of those detained later settled with the government after months of incarceration.

The public prosecutor said in April it would begin investigations and opening arguments against 56 people who had not reached settlements.