Confusion abounds over the legal status of the case of Saudi father and divorcee Mazen Abdul Jawad, who provoked controversy by describing his sexual exploits on Lebanese television, as legal authorities dispute areas of jurisdiction and law experts question the process being pursued. A source close to the Commission for Investigation and Prosecution (CIP) has said that no complaint files have been received by the CIP from the public against Abdul Jawad, and that any such cases should be brought directly to the CIP and not to the courts. Other sources maintain that the head of the Summary Court in Jeddah has made official contact with the CIP instructing them to investigate the case following a complaint brought by a number of members of the public seeking a trial of Abdul Jawad. Legal consultant Omar Al-Khouli, however, has said that the process currently being pursued is in conflict with Shariah procedures which require such cases to be brought by the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice to the CIP, the latter being the responsible authority for pursuing public lawsuits and representing the public in such cases according to new regulations. The case, Al-Khouli said, has brought up a number of legal points, the most prominent of which is the overlapping of jurisdictions concerning the committee formed to look into media cases in accordance with the law governing Print and Publications, and the committee for the law on Electronic and Information Crimes, and the courts. Each of these authorities, according to Al-Khouli, could claim jurisdiction over Abdul Jawad's case as the two laws do not clearly demarcate the authorities' jurisdictions, which, he said, will have to be decided by the Supreme Judicial Council. As to Abdul Jawad's prospects should he eventually be brought before a judge, sources close to the Summary Court said that should he confess three times before a judge to accusations of adultery (engaging in unmarried sexual relations) then he would be punished according to Shariah Law. If he did not confess, the sources added, the case would be left for the judge to decide. The source close to the CIP described Abdul Jawad's legal position as “bad”, as he would appear to have “openly promoted sinful behavior”, but said that the situation did not call for Abdul Jawad to be detained until a trial is conducted, unless the CIP “saw a benefit” in such a move. Abdul Jawad told Okaz recently his version of the controversial events, describing himself as “set up” and the victim of selective editing. He said, however, that he had no specific knowledge of any cases brought against him, but had merely “heard about them”. Some 200 persons were reported to have made complaints against him based on the events of the program, which included him displaying of sexually-related objects and images, and him explaining how he, in his own words “went out on the pull.” Abdul Jawad's lawyer Ashraf Al-Sarraj told Okaz in the same interview that no charges had yet been made against Abdul Jawad, and that he had also received no summons from any judicial authority. Abdul Jawad revealed that he also intended to pursue a case of his own against the television channel “to clear up all the facts of the case and get compensation for everything it has brought on me and my family.” The case was scheduled to be filed Sunday.
