Article 164 of the Saudi Implementing Regulations of the Criminal Procedure Law
المادة 164 من اللائحة التنفيذية لنظام الإجراءات الجزائية · الباب الثامن: الأحكام الواجبة التنفيذ وإجراءات تنفيذها وضوابطه
The article permits an anesthetic for amputation as a hadd penalty and for retaliation for lesser injuries with the right holder's written consent, requires treating bleeding, and bars reattaching a limb cut as a hadd penalty while allowing it in retaliation with consent.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
1- يجوز استعمال المخدر عند تنفيذ القطع حداً، وكذلك عند تنفيذ القصاص فيما دون النفس بشرط موافقة من له الحق في القصاص كتابةً.
2 - على الطبيب المختص - بعد تنفيذ أحكام القطع حدًّا والقصاص فيما دون النفس - علاج النزيف ومنع سـريان الجرح.
3 - لا تجوز إعادة العضو المقطوع حداً، ويدفن بمعرفة الجهة المختصة، أما العضو المقطوع قصاصا فتجوز إعادته بشرط موافقة من له الحق في القصاص كتابةً.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 164 explained in plain English
This article of the Implementing Regulations of the Criminal Procedure Law addresses three medical matters in carrying out amputation as a hadd penalty and retaliation (qisas) for lesser injuries:
1. Using an anesthetic
- When carrying out amputation as a hadd penalty: an anesthetic may be used.
- When carrying out retaliation for lesser injuries: an anesthetic may be used on condition of the written consent of the person who holds the right to retaliation.
2. Treatment after execution: After amputation as a hadd penalty or retaliation for lesser injuries is carried out, the specialist doctor must treat the bleeding and prevent the wound from spreading.
3. Reattaching the severed limb
- A limb severed as a hadd penalty: it may not be reattached, and it is buried by the competent authority.
- A limb severed in retaliation: it may be reattached on condition of the written consent of the person who holds the right to retaliation.
The article shows that the holder of the right to retaliation has a role in two matters: using an anesthetic and reattaching the limb. In both cases the article requires his consent to be in writing.
The doctor's role here is linked to Article 156 of the Regulations, which requires a specialist doctor to attend when amputation and retaliation sentences are carried out, and to Article 157, which requires a medical examination before execution. Article 161 also governs notifying the holder of the right to retaliation in writing of the date and place of execution and requires his presence or that of his representative.
Anyone with a question about a particular judgment is advised to consult a lawyer who specializes in criminal cases.
Practical example
A judgment was issued for retaliation for lesser injuries against a person who injured another. The doctors want to use an anesthetic during execution, which is not permitted unless the victim, as the holder of the right to retaliation, consents in writing. After execution, the severed limb may not be reattached unless he also consents in writing.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 164 of the Saudi Implementing Regulations of the Criminal Procedure Law
Is an anesthetic permitted when carrying out amputation?
Yes. An anesthetic may be used when carrying out amputation as a hadd penalty, and when carrying out retaliation for lesser injuries on condition of the written consent of the holder of the right to retaliation.
Can a severed limb be reattached?
A limb severed as a hadd penalty may not be reattached and is buried by the competent authority. A limb severed in retaliation may be reattached with the written consent of the holder of the right to retaliation.
What is the doctor's duty after an amputation is carried out?
To treat the bleeding and prevent the wound from spreading.
More articles on Executing Criminal Judgments
- Article 149
This article of the Regulations allows any party to request reconsideration of a final judgment imposing a penalty even after it is executed or the penalty lapses, and requires both judgments to be final for a contradiction to arise.
1- يحق لأيٍّ من الخصوم طلب إعادة النظر في الحكم النهائي الصادر بالعقوبة ولو بعد تنفيذه، أو سقـوط العقوبة بالعفو أو الصلح أو وفاة المحكوم عليه. 2 - يُشترط لتحقق
- Article 150
This article of the Regulations requires an order to stay execution of a judgment issued under Article 206 of the Law to be recorded in the case record and notified immediately to the execution authority by official letter.
إذا صدر أمر إيقاف تنفيذ الحكم - وفقا للمادة (السادسة بعد المائتين) من النظام - فيدون في ضبط الدعوى، ويبلغ فوراً إلى جهة التنفيذ بكتاب رسمي.
- Article 151
If part of a criminal judgment becomes final but another part does not, a certified copy is sent to the execution authority to execute only the final part.
إذا صدر الحكم في دعوى اشتملت على حقٍّ عامٍّ وحقٍّ خاصٍّ واكتسب الحكم الصفة القطعية في أحدهما دون الآخر، أو صدر الحكم في دعوى واكتسب صفة القطعية في بعضه دون بعض،
- Article 152
The article requires the court to notify the detention administration in writing of the substance of its judgment in the cases provided for in Article 213 of the Law, so the detained accused is released at once.
تُبلِّغ المحكمةُ كتابةً إدارةَ التوقيف بمضمون الحكم الذي أصدرته في الحالات المنصوص عليها في المادة (الثالثة عشرة بعد المائتين) من النظام للإفراج عن المتهم الموق
- Article 153
The article explains when a new prison sentence starts if the stay of an earlier sentence is cancelled, to whom the cancellation request is made, and that part of a discretionary prison sentence may be stayed.
1- إذا نُص في الحكم على وقف تنفيذ عقوبة السجن التعزيرية في الحق العام، وارتكب المحكوم عليه جريمة خلال المدة المشار إليها في الفقرة (2) من المادة (الرابعة عشرة ب
- Article 154
Orders to carry out criminal sentences are issued by the administrative governor, except for sentences whose execution requires an order from the King or his delegate.
فيما عدا الأحكام الجزائية التي يكون تنفيذها بعد صدور أمر من الملك أو ممن ينيبه، يصدر أمر تنفيذ الأحكام الجزائية من الحاكم الإداري.
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.