Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Attorney General Sheikh Saud Al-Muajab issued a decision to establish a department to investigate environmental crimes and that is in line with the “Saudi Green” and “Green Middle East” initiatives unveiled by Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman on Saturday. The initiatives aim to chart a path for the Kingdom and the region in protecting the planet and environment.

Al-Muajab said the creation of the department aims to strengthen the protection of the environment and its natural components in the light of modern regulations that deal with preventive and procedural aspects, such as the newly issued Agricultural Law, which entails assigning the authority to investigate and prosecute violations of the provisions of its articles 28 and 29 to the Public Prosecution.

This independent department will investigate environmental issues, which will strengthen measures and procedures that limit criminal practices causing a negative impact on the environment and climate.

The powers of the department include investigation of all criminal acts that threaten climate stability and environmental sustainability under a single penal system.