RIYADH, 4 June  — Prince Salman, governor of Riyadh region, yesterday warned foreign countries against meddling in the Kingdom’s judiciary which he said was totally independent.

“We implement the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and we are not concerned whether others like it or not,” Prince Salman told reporters after visiting the country’s Supreme Court.

“Some think that the administrative ruler of the region interferes in judicial matters. That is not at all true. We don’t interfere in the affairs of the courts. The Kingdom’s judiciary is independent... We don’t accept interference by anybody in our judicial affairs,” he said.

Asked about press reports on four Britons sentenced to caning for alcohol trafficking in the Kingdom, Prince Salman said he had not seen a copy of the verdict to comment on it. However, he emphasized that the Qur’an and the Sunnah protected human rights.

The Foreign Office in London said on Thursday that four British men were sentenced last month to two-and-a-half years jail and between 300 and 500 lashes each for trafficking in alcohol. The four were Paul Moss from Merseyside, Ken Hartley, Kevin Hawkins, from Lancaster, and Deve Momin from Greenock.

Asked about prospects of changing Shariah rules in the Kingdom to meet with World Trade Organization’s terms and conditions, Prince Salman said it was “impossible”. “The Saudi system of governance is based on the Qur’an and Sunnah and the government will not change any Shariah rules under any circumstances.” He said economic laws and administrative systems are excluded from this rule as they can be changed in accordance with the needs of time.

Replying to another question on the need for informing foreign workers and visitors about Saudi rules and regulations, the governor said: “They should know and honor the Kingdom’s rules and systems.”

On the government’s plan to set up traffic courts, Prince Salman said they would be established at the appropriate time.

He said his visit to the Supreme Court was to learn its requirements and meet with the judges. “Working for the judiciary is a great honor,” he said. The governor disclosed a plan to make use of an old building in the court complex.

Prince Salman was accompanied by his deputy Prince Sattam and other top officials. Also yesterday, Prince Salman launched the website (www.imaratarriyyadh.gov.sa) of the Riyadh governorate on the Internet.

The site will provide information about the Kingdom's history, culture, education, social life and economy.

It will also contain information about various governorates under the Riyadh region.