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Covid-19: Saudi Arabia suspends debtors' prison sentences

Riyadh - King Salman also ordered the immediate release of those who were detained in respect of these rulings and judgements.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia, has ordered the temporary suspension of implementation of final rulings and judicial orders related to debtors' imprisonment in private law cases.
He also ordered the immediate release of those who were detained in respect of these rulings and judgements, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
In addition, King Salman has ordered the suspension of final rulings and orders related to enabling children to visit one of their separated parents.
These suspensions will continue until a committee makes an announcement and the exceptional circumstances attached to the coronavirus pandemic come to an end.  
Dr Walid bin Mohammed Al-Samaani, justice minister and president of the Supreme Judicial Council, thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their care and kind gesture towards the Kingdom's citizens and residents who are included in this order.
He highlighted that the order comes as part of the government's efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus, ensure the safety of everyone in the Kingdom, and emphasize that human health is a priority.
Al-Samaani said that the imprisonment orders were immediately lifted electronically, and the concerned authority was notified to implement this.
He added that judgements related to visitation have been suspended electronically, and the parties were notified through SMS text messages.