Authorities Competent to Investigate and Prosecute in Crimes of Hazardous, Toxic and Radioactive Waste: An Analytical Stud

Abstract

This research emphasizes the severity of environmental pollution resulting from hazardous, toxic, and radioactive waste, which endangers human and other living beings. The study also comprehends the stance of the regulatory authority in Saudi Arabia regarding environmental pollution caused by hazardous, toxic, and radioactive waste. The research also pinpoints the organizations responsible for probing and litigating offenses linked to hazardous waste. This research adopts an analytical approach to analze the legal texts and royal decrees on in crimes of hazardous, toxic and radioactive waste. These steps encompass collecting and analyzing regulatory texts relevant to the research topic. The study reveals significant findings, notably that despite ample legislative texts, Saudi regulations lack a comprehensive definition preventing a clear classification of these crimes, hindering the identification of motives behind criminalization. It also notes the primary administrative authority's jurisdiction in investigating employee misconduct, with the prosecution's involvement limited to specific cases stipulated by the employee disciplinary system. Additionally, it highlights the diversity of entities involved in prosecuting these crimes based on the nature of violations and criminal charges. The research concludes with recommendations, emphasizing the necessity of establishing a comprehensive definition for these crimes and activating the roles of investigation and prosecution to protect and enhance th e environment. It suggests the formation of specialized investigation departments under the public prosecution and specialized trial departments under the criminal court. This aims to unify investigation authority and jurisdiction for trial, along with ensur ing these departments are staffed with qualified individuals due to the complexity and evolution of environmental crimes.