Riyadh, Asharq Al-Awsat- Saudi Arabia plans to establish courts to deal with domestic violence, following a recommendation by King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.

The ministry of justice will create courts to deal with domestic violence cases, according to Abdullah al Hadithi, the undersecretary for judiciary affairs.

The King’s request comes at a time when domestic violence cases are increasing in Saudi Arabia, especially against children. A debate has also been taking place in the Saudi media about abuse in the family and pictures published on the issue have created controversy.

On whether women can practice law in the Kingdom, al Hadithi said that no text explicitly banned women from practicing this profession, adding that lawyers were admitted according to pre-set conditions by the committee for Saudi lawyers.

Meanwhile, Prince Bandar bin Salman, advisor to King Abdullah and president of the of Saudi arbitration committee revealed that the committee of experts in the Saudi cabinet was considering re-evaluation the Saudi arbitration system, amending the old list and creating a schedule for arbitrators’ fees in arbitration centers.