In response to recent statements by various countries and international organisations regarding the case of Saudi citizen Raif Badawi, the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia wishes to state that it has no tolerance for foreign entities meddling in the Kingdom’s internal affairs. The Kingdom will not tolerate such outrageous, ridiculous interference in its sovereign criminal justice system.

 It is important to note that the case in question was administered according to legitimate Saudi statutes by a respected Saudi judge whose task is to execute the laws of the country. The Kingdom upholds and protects the independent status of its judiciary and the equal treatment of all its citizens.

 According to HRH Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf, Saudi Ambassador to the United Kingdom, “the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia works to foster positive relations between the Kingdom and the UK. To do so, we support the independence of other countries’ legal systems. Hence, we expect the same respect for the decisions of our court system as we accord the court system of other nations.”

In short, Saudi Arabia strongly condemns foreign parties intruding into its internal affairs. Sovereignty is absolute, and it should be treated with the utmost respect. As it would expect any other nation to do, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia categorically rejects any form of external pressure that any entity may bring to bear upon its legal process.