More details on the witnesses and whistleblowers protection law

We have more details on the witnesses and whistleblowers protection law: The Public Prosecution can provide protection for up to 30 days to witnesses, victims and whistleblowers if they were found in risk of an “imminent danger,” executive regulations of the witnesses and whistleblowers law published on official gazette Umm Al Qura showed on Friday. The law was approved by the Cabinet last month. The law will come into effect sometime in July.

Those included in the witness program would see authorities providing security protection as well as legal and psychological services. They would be allowed a temporary or permanent relocation from their workplace or provided help in finding an alternative job. Other protection measures include a change of place of residence or financial aid.

And voice-changing tech to protect their identities: Judicial authorities have the right to take “special measures” during court sessions to protect witnesses, whistleblowers and victims in case of danger. Those include using necessary technology to allow for testimonies without attending court sessions and the use of image and voice-changing technology if necessary.

Those threatening or blackmailing witnesses and whistleblowers would be at risk of jail terms of up to two years and a fine of up to SAR 300k. Those jeopardizing protection for individuals under the witness protection program could be handed jail terms of up to one year and a fine of up to SAR 200k.