Sana'a: Researcher Mujahid Ahmed Al-Omadi was awarded a PhD with distinction and honors in Public Law from the Faculty of Sharia and Law at Sana'a University, for his dissertation entitled: 'Legislative and Procedural Response to Cybercrimes - A Comparative Study.'
According to Yemen News Agency, during the defense session, which was attended by the Acting Prime Minister, scholar Mohammed Muftah, Minister of Transport and Public Works Mohammed Qahim, Head of the Grievances Authority Judge Essam Al-Samawi, member of the Supreme Judicial Council Judge Ahmed Al-Azzani, and Secretary-General of the Judicial Council Judge Hisham Aqbat, the examination and evaluation committee-headed by Dr. Abdul Momen Shujaa Al-Din as internal examiner, with Dr. Munir Al-Joubi as external examiner, and Dr. Khaled Al-Khatib as principal supervisor-praised the researcher's efforts in examining the mechanisms and approaches of legislative and procedural response to cybercrimes.
The study aimed to define cybercrimes, their nature, and the characteristics of their perpetrators, as well as how they are held criminally and civilly accountable. It also clarified legislative response tools in the Republic of Yemen, explained the substantive legal provisions as an emerging category of crime, identified their legal elements, and outlined criminal liability, as well as arrest and investigation procedures and international cooperation in combating such crimes.
The research provides a framework for addressing cybercrime and prosecuting perpetrators through legal systems and internationally recognized mechanisms for apprehension. It highlights that the danger of cybercrimes is increasing daily and affects economic, social, and cultural security, as well as the fundamental interests of both the state and individuals.
The study recommended the development of the legislative framework, which represents the backbone of any judicial system in confronting cybercrimes, noting that laws regulating investigation, seizure, and electronic search form the basis on which law enforcement agencies rely. This is due to the constantly evolving nature of digital crime and its cross-border expansion.
It further recommended that Yemeni legislators expedite the issuance of laws governing cybercrime and electronic transactions, data transfer and information systems, and amend procedural laws to align with legal developments, such as the Criminal Procedures Law, Civil Procedure Law, and Evidence Law.
The study also called for the establishment of digital forensic laboratories, training of police officers and judges in digital evidence analysis, verification techniques, and the creation of specialized judicial bodies for cybercrimes within primary and exceptional courts. It further recommended that the new legislation include provisions ensuring full protection of personal electronic data and harmonization of national laws with international standards.
The defense was attended by the Governors of Sana'a Abdul Basit Al-Hadi and Dhamar Mohammed Al-Bukhaiti, President of Sana'a University Dr. Mohammed Al-Bukhaiti, Secretary-General of the Local Council in the Capital Secretariat Amin Jumaan, as well as a number of members of Parliament, the Shura Council, and heads of courts.