Proceedings in Al-Mutair case frozen until decision on judge recusal

The Criminal Court, presided over by Counselor Nasser Al-Badr and with Judges Abdulaziz Al-Ma’dadi and Abdulhadi Al-Hajri as members, has decided to suspend proceedings in the case involving former MP Muhammad Al-Mutair.

The suspension will remain in effect until a ruling is issued on the request to recuse the court panel, reports Al-Rai daily.

The case concerns an objection to a default judgment that sentenced Al-Mutair to three years’ imprisonment with hard labor and immediate enforcement, after he was convicted of publishing false news and insulting judges and the Public Prosecution via the social media platform (X).

The court’s decision to halt consideration of the case comes in response to the defense’s formal application seeking the disqualification of the current panel, pending a final determination on the matter.