Jeddah, Asharq Al-Awsat—Any Saudi citizen can file a lawsuit against the King, Crown Prince, or any member of the royal family, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz said, comparing the situation in the Kingdom to other countries where heads of state have immunity.

In a major speech to senior officers on Wednesday on the issue of combating corruption in the public and private sectors, King Salman said: “I say now that there are heads of state in other countries that have immunity from lawsuits. In our country, any citizen can bring a lawsuit against the King, or Crown Prince, or any member of the royal family.”

“The rights of citizens are far more important than my own rights,” he added.

King Salman made the televised speech in Jeddah at a major counter-corruption conference which was attended by senior Saudi officials and ministers.

“This country has been established on the foundations of the Qu’ran and the Sunnah. This state is based on the belief that the greatest warrior of corruption is the application of Islamic law. Our constitution is the holy Qu’ran and the Sunnah. We live in security and stability in this country. If anyone sees any injustice against any citizen, tribe, town or anything, come and tell us. Our doors are open to you,” he added.

Saudi Arabian governors and senior officials are well-known for hosting open Majlis (councils) during which they meet with citizens to discuss any problems.

King Salman added: “This country is established due to its sons’ efforts. I see you now from all regions and cities of the Kingdom where you are met here with intimacy. I repeat to you that the pride of this country is the Muslim’s qiblah [direction of prayer]. The person can go from the Gulf to the Red Sea and from the South to the North with his family in safety and security. It is a blessing from God Almighty and we must protect it.”