No interference in our judicial system, Isa tells UK judges LONDON — The judicial system in the Kingdom is free from any outside interference and influence, Dr. Muhammad Al-Isa, Minister of Justice, said here Tuesday. This came during a meeting between Minister Al-Isa and Lord Philips, President of the Supreme Court in Britain, and other senior judges. Al-Isa, who was accompanied by Prince Muhammad Bin Nawaf, Saudi Ambassador to the United Kingdom, said owing to the historical judicial reforms process initiated by King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Kingdom now enjoys top position in the globe in disseminating justice. Al-Isa said the Monarch's project focuses on updating routine measures of courts including notarization of real estate ownership. Currently, some 400 utilities in the judiciary are being computerized and the courts are being equipped with skilled personnel, he said. The minister highlighted the idea of litigation alternatives, including the creation of cordial settlement offices. He spoke about the Ministry of Justice's keenness to resolve family disputes cordially before reaching the courts. Al-Isa emphasized the important role of arbitration in the justice process, noting that the Kingdom has recently put in place a new far-reaching arbitration system. He said judiciary never intervenes in arbitration; it only monitors the process, explaining that the rules of foreign arbitrators are observed through agreements and reciprocal treatment. He told Lord Phillips that the Kingdom's system guarantees fair defense for the accused. "For those who cannot afford hiring lawyers, the government shoulders the burden to guarantee fairness," he added. The minister said no exceptional litigation takes place outside the framework of the judiciary power and that all and sundry are allowed to attend the court proceedings. During the meeting, a number of judicial theories and principles were also discussed. Al-Isa and Prince Muhammad visited the Queen prison and the Reformatory foundation in Britain and the Islamic Cultural Center in London.
