Since our experience with the free press is relatively short, we are not in a rush to open this door wide because people need time to absorb this change. Besides, we do not want the press’s freedom to be misused, especially by those who want to promote radical and fanatical thoughts. We are aware that the uncalculated use of freedom may turn the tables against freedom and so we are accepting gradual, not absolute, press freedom simply because we do not want to give a chance to someone to use the freedom of expression to threaten our national security and unity.

On a different note, outside observers do not realize that press restrictions are brought about by people and professional organizations. Some chief editors, for various reasons, do not open their papers to writers who criticize the government and some journalists play a key part in creating a culture of self-censorship. Besides, some Saudi citizens have appointed themselves as custodians of public morality and the press by advocating the censorship of discussions on social and political issues that interest the Saudi public.

As for the level of satisfaction with the current press situation, I would say that people are to some extent pleased, but more frank discourse and diverse voices are needed in the national media so that domestic issues can be openly discussed.

If you further ask whether we have a truly free press, then the straightforward answer is no. We would like to see more independent reporting on public institutions and government performance and serious discussions on domestic issues such as corruption.

In short, we need a platform for free and open debate on critical issues facing the Kingdom. However, we are making momentous changes even as we know that there is a long road ahead of us.

"Since our experience with the free press is relatively short, we are not in a rush to open this door wide because people need time to absorb this change. Besides, we do not want the press's freedom to be misused, especially by those who want to promote radical and fanatical thoughts. We are aware that the uncalculated use of freedom may turn the tables against freedom and so we are accepting gradual, not absolute, press freedom simply because we do not want to give a chance to someone to use the freedom of expression to threaten our national security and unity. On a different note, outside observers do not realize that press restrictions are brought about by people and professional organizations. Some chief editors, for various reasons, do not open their papers to writers who criticize the government and some journalists play a key part in creating a culture of self-censorship. Besides, some Saudi citizens have appointed themselves as custodians of public morality and the press by advocating the censorship of discussions on social and political issues that interest the Saudi public. As for the level of satisfaction with the current press situation, I would say that people are to some extent pleased, but more frank discourse and diverse voices are needed in the national media so that domestic issues can be openly discussed. If you further ask whether we have a truly free press, then the straightforward answer is no. We would like to see more independent reporting on public institutions and government performance and serious discussions on domestic issues such as corruption. In short, we need a platform for free and open debate on critical issues facing the Kingdom. However, we are making momentous changes even as we know that there is a long road ahead of us."

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