The floods that killed over 120 people in Jeddah last November created a new attitude in Saudi society, one that publicly demanded public accountability of officials whose actions and inactions led to the disaster. In the past, people might grouse, but they did it in private.

Now, Arab News reports, a number of officials will be facing trial. Just who and just how many remain opaque though. Transparency in governmental and legal operations is a concept not fully embraced by either the government or society. [See post below on 'naming and shaming'.]

Jeddah flood disaster accused to stand trial

JEDDAH: The files of those allegedly responsible for the disastrous consequences of the November Jeddah floods have been transferred to the Court of Grievances, sources have said.

They also disclosed plans to set up joint panels on behalf of the Justice Ministry and Court of Grievances in order to try them.

“Those accused will appear before the administrative court and if the defendant wants to appeal, he should approach the administrative appeal court and then appear before the higher administrative court,” Al-Madinah reported on Tuesday.

The source said the date for the trial had not been fixed yet.

“The formation of the panels including members of the ministry and the Court of Grievances is still ongoing,” he said.

He did not disclose the number of people who are facing trial.
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