Al Madina, 7 June 2026: The Council of Ministers has approved the executive regulations of the Witnesses, Informants, Experts, and Victims Protection Law, detailing procedures for testimony, protection measures, and financial support.
The regulations specify cases where courts may hear witnesses or question experts without the presence of the defendant or their lawyer. These include:
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Prior harm to witnesses shown in the defendant’s criminal record.
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Risk posed by defendant to others.
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Testimony linked to organised crime where not all members have been arrested.
In such cases, courts must also conceal witness names in judicial rulings.
The regulations provide for compensation, assistance, and healthcare for those under protection, including issuing temporary identity documents when necessary. A dedicated budget within the Public Prosecution will cover expenses such as transport, accommodation, subsistence, financial aid, healthcare, social care, advisory services, and protective measures.
The Ministry of Finance, in coordination with the programme administration, will establish mechanisms to ensure the confidentiality of all disbursement procedures, safeguarding the identities of protected individuals.
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