There are only two countries in the world which are one hundred percent Islamic. They are Maldives and Saudi Arabia.
In Saudi Arabia, criminal trials like terrorism related trials are open to the public. Recently King Salman asked to make hearings open and allow more people to enter the court room. He asked to make court proceedings more transparent.
Justice Minister Waleed Al-Salmani said that even international lawyers can listen to the hearings held in Saudi Arabia. He said that even though they will not get chance to practice law they still can file issues if they think someone’s rights are being violated.
In addition, the minister ordered not to conduct trials by just one judge but to have 3 or 5 judges on each case.
As for Maldives, things are different. For instance, let’s look at JP Leader Qasim Ibrahim’s case going on in the criminal court. Previously there were three judges presiding over his case. However, now there is only one judge and the hearings are closed.
Qasim’s lawyer Hisaan Hussein said that it is a constitutional right to have public hearings and Qasim even requested the judge to do so. Since the hearing was closed, Hisaan refused to reveal what happened during today;s hearing.
Even terrorism related trials are open to the public in Saudi Arabia!
