Assahafa.com
Some 193 suspects have been prosecuted in connection with recent acts of violence, destruction, and incitement that occurred in several cities across the Kingdom, according to Zakaria Laaroussi, magistrate and head of the Unit for Monitoring the Execution of Repressive Measures and Judicial Decisions within the Presidency of the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
In a statement to the press, Laaroussi explained that a request for a judicial investigation was submitted for 18 suspects, 16 of whom have been placed in custody by order of the investigating judge.
He added that 19 other suspects are also being prosecuted while in pre-trial detention due to the seriousness of the offenses committed, particularly common law crimes, noting that some of them were under the influence of drugs at the time of the events.
Additionally, 158 suspects are being prosecuted while at liberty, and the cases of 24 individuals have been dismissed. A group of people was also released after official police interview reports were filed.
These unauthorized protests, Laaroussi stressed, were marked by actions unrelated to peaceful demonstration. The events were marred by various forms of violence and destruction, including stone-throwing at law enforcement, damage to private property, vandalized vehicles and shops, looting, arson targeting state-owned vehicles, destruction of public utilities, and obstruction of traffic on public roads.
Given that these acts undermined the safety and security of citizens, and considering their criminal nature, judicial investigations were conducted for this purpose under the supervision of the competent public prosecutors in accordance with the legal provisions, Laaroussi stated.
The investigations revealed the involvement of a group of minors who were referred to juvenile justice in order to take the appropriate legal measures against them, he said, adding that the judicial investigations in this regard showed that certain individuals had disseminated digital content through several social media accounts with the aim of inciting people to take to the streets in protest. Digital content of demonstrations that took place abroad was also disseminated in order to mislead the public and increase the number of views to generate financial profit.”
The investigations are still underway with a view to arresting the remaining individuals suspected of being involved in the commission of the aforementioned acts, which occurred on the evening of September 30, he stressed, noting that they will be brought before the competent public prosecutors in order to take the appropriate legal measures in light of the results of these investigations.
The public prosecutors ensure the preservation of the safety and security of citizens and their property, as well as the preservation of public order and security, in addition to the protection of rights and freedoms, in line with the missions entrusted to them, in accordance with the law and the Constitution, he added, affirming that these same prosecutors will remain committed to the firm and strict application of the law in order to safeguard the safety and security of citizens.
Source: map
