Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdulaziz, deputy premier and minister of defense, chairs the Council of Ministers' session at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh on Monday. — SPA Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — The Council of Ministers on Monday renewed its strong condemnation of the heinous terrorist attack on the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris on Jan. 7. “The religion of Islam rejects all forms of such cowardly acts,” said the Cabinet session, chaired by Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdulaziz, deputy premier and minister of defense. The Cabinet also condemned the suicide attack targeting security officials in Markaz Al-Suwaif, Ar'ar in the Northern Borders region. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency following the session, Minister of Culture and Information Abdulaziz Al-Khudairi said that the Cabinet lauded the relentless efforts being exerted by the security forces in combatting terror and taking all measures against those who plot to incite sedition and create anarchy. It reiterated that the hand of justice will come down heavily on all those who try to undermine the nation's security. The Cabinet approved the executive bylaw of the Criminal Procedures Law, which includes special executive regulations for collecting evidence, arresting suspects, searching suspected persons, conducting raids on residential places, carrying out investigative procedures and other provisions related to judicial work. Al-Khudairi said the Cabinet conveyed its deep condolence to the bereaved families of the security officials who were martyred while defending their religion and nation in last week's attack. It also prayed to Almighty Allah for the speedy recovery of those security officials who sustained injuries in the attack. The Cabinet commended the Shoura Council's achievements and contributions to the Kingdom's construction and development through its constructive initiatives, wise opinions and worthy recommendations. Al-Khudairi said the Cabinet voiced concern over the suffering of Syrian refugees due to the severe cold wave sweeping through the region. The Cabinet underlined the need to stand by the affected people, especially women, children and elderly, by making available to them the necessary relief supplies.
