As Saudi Arabia steps up investigation and legal action against those who commit slander online, the Shoura Council is pushing for discussion on whether curbs need to be put on the electronic media, officials said. The Ministry of Interior on Monday referred a case filed by 13 Saudi women journalists against an online news website for investigation by Security Affairs. Riyadh Police, meanwhile, announced the launch of investigations into several cyber crimes allegedly committed with the intention of “harming others.” Cyber crimes have become a phenomenon of late, said Riyadh Police spokesman Maj. Sami Al-Shuwairikh. He said police stations in the capital city have been receiving reports of libelous allegations posted on websites. He said investigations included searching for the persons allegedly involved and referring them to the Prosecution General. Al-Shuwairikh said specialists in cyber crimes who have joined the staff of Riyadh Police have successfully looked into several cases and have taken action according to the penal measures regulation. Interior Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Mansour Al-Turki said the ministry is acting in line with the regulation for combating cyber crimes. The chaos caused by online slander has drawn the attention of several Shoura Council members who said they would demand an explanation from officials of the Ministry of Information and Culture. Dr. Shubaili Al-Qarni, Adviser to the Culture and Information Committee (CIC) in the Shoura Council said, “The committee will look into the ministry's reports. If the reports do not include information on online news websites, the committee can refer to such information in the ministry's annual report – if it sees that the situation requires control of the electronic media.” He said control of websites is lost when it is handed over to those who “are not qualified to do so,” especially at a time when they should show their loyalty to the religion, nation, its leadership and people. Ibrahim Al-Blaihi, a CIC member, called upon the authorities concerned to take swift and firm action against those making libelous allegations against people. He said those who are being defamed are the ones leading the march of enlightening the society.
