A female prisoner was released on bail for lack of evidence on the orders of Public Prosecutor Sheikh Saud bin Abdullah Al-Mu'jeb. The Public Prosecutor said in his release order that the case was still under investigation and no sufficient evidence was found as yet, Al-Riyadh Arabic newspaper reported The prisoner was released within two hours of the order of the Public Prosecutor. The appeals judge and member of the Shoura Council, Sheikh Issa Al-Ghaith, said that it was within the jurisdiction of the Public Prosecution to monitor the prisons and follow up the cases of prisoners. "The release of the prisoner confirms that the Public Prosecution has begun exercising its legitimate powers. The move is a good indicator of the independence of the judicial system in the Kingdom, assuring citizens that there is no room for interpretative judgments." A number of judges and jurists are of the view that separating the Public Prosecution from the Ministry of the Interior and functioning directly under the King's authority would give it full independence in exercising its functions. It also ensures that Public Prosecution would proceed with its work impartially, without any influence whatsoever. A royal decree was issued last month to amend the name of the Investigation and Public Prosecution Commission to the Public Prosecutor's Office, headed by the Public Prosecutor. The Office functions directly under the King's authority to guarantee its independence and autonomy. The Office is entrusted with the reformation of the judicial system in the Kingdom in line with the rules and principles followed in many other countries in accordance with the rules and provisions of Shariah.
