A judge at the General Court in Jeddah asked to be taken off a case involving a car agent because previous personal dealings with the firm may “influence his decision”, according to judicial sources. The sources said the judge had had a “personal disagreement” with the company over repairs to his car, and was concerned that his impartiality may be compromised. The car agency, which represents a well-known global brand, has been taken to court by a Saudi man after he was injured in an accident during which his air-bag failed. The Legal Procedures Law states that any judge may withdraw from hearing a case if he has “any connection or private interest or dispute with any of the parties involved”. The case is now being heard by another judge.
