Saudi Arabia is in the process of creating chairs for scientific research on terrorism in almost all universities across the Kingdom, Dr. Abdul Mohsen Al-Munif, Counselor, Bureau of Investigation and Prosecution, told Saudi Gazette. He was speaking after attending the first session at a Workshop on International Legal Framework for Counter-Terrorism and its Financing here Saturday. The workshop was opened by Shaikh Muhammad Bin Fuhaid Al-Abdullah, Chairman of Bureau of Investigation and Prosecution that jointly organized the event with UN Office in Riyadh. A government committee is working to put the final touches on plans for a law to combat terrorism and the financing of terrorism. The committee is composed of representatives from the ministries of Interior and Justice and members from the General Commission for Investigation and Prosecution and the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency. The plans, once finalized, will be put before the Cabinet and other legislative bodies, aim to define punishments for anyone involved in or supporting acts of terrorism. About 76 national, regional and international experts on terrorism that include judges, prosecutors and officials of law enforcing agencies are participating in the three-day workshop. Dr. Al-Munif said Saudi Arabia has intensified its efforts to fight terrorism and terror-financing by introducing a number of additional measures, including creation of scientific research chairs in almost all universities and issuing fatwas (religious edicts) through Friday sermons, television channels, newspapers and other information media outlets. “As part of efforts to combat terrorism the Saudi security forces will be given intensive training and technical support,” he said. Dr. Khomayes Saad Al-Ali, Director Administrative Planning, said the Bureau will broadcast views of the Higher Committee of Religious Scholars on terrorism and its financing. Dr. Majid Al-Harbi, member, the Scientific Committee of Workshop, said the establishment of Prince Mohammad Bin Naif Center for Care and Counseling – which is engaged in the rehabilitation of inmates with deviants thoughts – is producing fruitful results. He said the Kingdom is organizing events for members of Saudi judiciary on ways to provide effective training programs and share information on terrorism, money-laundering and other related crimes. Michael Taxay, of Counter-Terrorism Section of the US Department of Justice, presented a paper on ‘Why charities are vulnerable to abuse'. In his presentation he listed the names of around 45 foreign terrorism organizations. Condice Welsch, Legal Officer, Organized Crime and Criminal Justice Section of Vienna-based UN Office on Drugs and Crime, spoke about investigation and prosecution of terrorist-financing. She said terrorists have been involved in illegal activities such as drug production and trafficking. – Okaz/SG Measures u Creation of scientific research chairs in almost all universities u Fatwas (religious edicts) through Friday sermons, television channels, newspapers and other media outlets u Intensive training and technical support for Saudi security forces u Hosting events for members of Saudi judiciary on ways to provide effective training programs and share information on terrorism, money-laundering and other related crimes. __
