Powers of the Public Prosecution in Saudi Arabia
The Public Prosecution in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia plays a pivotal role in protecting society, safeguarding rights, and implementing regulations by directly investigating crimes and initiating and following up on criminal cases before the competent judicial authorities.
The Public Prosecution System and its executive regulations define the powers and competencies of the Public Prosecution in a manner that ensures the achievement of justice and the rule of law.
Disclaimer: This is a legal article that provides information that does not replace consulting a competent lawyer to help you and for more accurate information.
What is the Public Prosecution in Saudi Arabia?
Article 1 of the Public Prosecution System and its executive regulations defines the Public Prosecution as part of the judicial authority, enjoying complete independence and organizationally linked to the King, with no one interfering in its work.
The Public Prosecution has the authority to investigate crimes and file general criminal cases. It is the body that represents society in defending its rights and interests and represents it before the criminal court.
Objectives of the Public Prosecution
- Promoting justice and protecting society.
- Protection of rights and freedoms.
- Supporting the oppressed.
Who is the Chief Public Prosecutor in Saudi Arabia?
Who is the Chief Public Prosecutor in Saudi Arabia?
The Chief Public Prosecutor is the Public Prosecutor and is appointed to the rank of minister by royal order. He must meet at least the conditions required to hold the position of Head of Investigation and Prosecution Departments, in accordance with Article 10 of the Law.
What are the conditions for the Public Prosecution in Saudi Arabia?
Certain conditions must be met by those appointed as members of the Public Prosecution, as stipulated in Article 1 of the Regulations, namely:
- To be a Saudi national.
- To be of good conduct and behavior.
- To have the necessary capacity.
- To have an accredited qualification in Sharia or regulations.
- He must not be less than 22 years old.
- To be fit and healthy.
- He must not have been sentenced to a limit or discretionary punishment, or to a crime that violates honor or trust, or have been subjected to a disciplinary decision to dismiss him from a public position, even if his reputation had been restored.
- To successfully pass the examination held for appointment.
What are the powers of the Public Prosecution?
Article 3 of the new Public Prosecution Law clarifies the powers of the Public Prosecution in Saudi Arabia, which are:
- Crime investigation.
- Conduct the investigation by filing or filing a criminal case before the competent court.
- Public prosecution before judicial authorities.
- Submitting requests to appeal or overturn criminal rulings.
- Supervising the implementation of criminal rulings.
- Supervision and inspection of prisons and detention centers.
What are the Public Prosecution cases?
The Public Prosecution has jurisdiction to investigate the following crimes:
- Crimes of assault on honor and morals.
- Crimes of assault against oneself and below oneself.
- Crimes of assault on money.
- Drug and psychotropic substance issues.
- Public service crimes.
- Juvenile issues.
- Economic crimes such as money laundering, business cover-ups or fraud.
If you are facing a criminal case or need to understand the Public Prosecution’s procedures, you can seek the assistance of a criminal lawyer licensed by the office of Lawyer Abdul Majeed Al Rashid to obtain appropriate legal support and protect your rights.
When is the case referred to the Public Prosecution?
When is the case referred to the Public Prosecution?
A criminal case begins with a complaint filed by the victim or any report received from them regarding the occurrence of a crime. The Public Prosecution Office investigates the complaint, collects evidence, and files a lawsuit before the competent criminal court.
The Public Prosecution also has the right to initiate investigation procedures into crimes and file a lawsuit if there is a public interest that requires it.
Article 17 of the Code of Criminal Procedure stipulates that a criminal case may not be filed or an investigation may be conducted into crimes for which individuals have a special right, except based on a complaint from the victim, his representative, or his successor, to the competent authority, unless the Investigation and Public Prosecution Authority deems it in the public interest to file a case and investigate these crimes.
What is the method of investigation in the Saudi Public Prosecution?
- Arrest of the accused: The accused in the crime is arrested and an arrest warrant is issued against him.
- Interrogation of the accused: The investigator is responsible for interrogating the accused in the crime, investigating him, asking him about the facts and his whereabouts, and confronting him with the charges against him.
- Recording the minutes: The investigator writes the indictment and everything that happened during the investigation session with the accused.
- Assignment of experts: Some criminal cases require examining the crime scene, collecting and analyzing evidence to support the investigation, and obtaining evidence to present to the court.
- Filing or filing a lawsuit: The Public Prosecution has the authority to file a lawsuit against the public before the competent criminal court or to file case papers in certain cases.
Familiarity with the powers of the Public Prosecution in Saudi Arabia helps to understand the course of criminal procedures and the rights and obligations regulated by Saudi regulations.
If you need legal advice or support in a criminal case, hiring a licensed criminal attorney gives you precise legal guidance that helps you take appropriate action with confidence.
For law and legal consultations..Contact the office of lawyer Abdul Majeed Al Rashid

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