Article 8 of the Saudi Implementing Regulations of the Criminal Procedure Law
المادة 8 من اللائحة التنفيذية لنظام الإجراءات الجزائية · الفصل الأول: رفع الدعوى الجزائية
The article explains the in-law relationship and the enmity that bar a member of the Authority from handling a case, and lets any opponent request disqualification of the investigator before or during the investigation.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
1- لا يشترط لقيام صلة المصاهرة المنصوص عليها في الفقرة (1) من المادة (الحادية والعشرين) من النظام؛ أن تكون رابطة الزوجية قائمة.
2 - العداوة التي تمنع عضو الهيئة من تولي أي قضية أو إصدار أي قرار فيها هي العداوة الناشئة لسبب لا يتعلق بالقضية.
3 - لأيٍّ من الخصوم أن يطلب - من رئيس فرع الهيئة في المدينة التي فيها فرع، ورؤساء دوائر التحقيق في المحافظات - رد المحقق عن التحقيق في القضية، قبل مباشرة إجراءات التحقيق، أو أثناءها. ويكون ذلك باستدعاء تبين فيه أسباب الرد. ولرئيس الفرع أو الدائرة قبول الطلب، أو رفضه مسبباً.
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 8 explained in plain English
This article of the Regulations concerns the impartiality of the member of the Authority (the Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution) who handles the case. It explains what is in Article 21 of the Criminal Procedure Law, and regulates the request to disqualify the investigator.
- In-law relationship: the in-law relationship provided for in paragraph 1 of Article 21 of the Law does not require the marriage bond to still exist, so it remains even if the marriage has ended.
- Enmity: the enmity that bars a member of the Authority from handling any case or issuing any decision in it is enmity arising for a reason unconnected with the case. A dispute that arises because of the case itself does not fall within this meaning.
- The request for disqualification: any of the opponents may request disqualification of the investigator from investigating the case:
- The request is submitted to the head of the Authority's branch in a city that has a branch, or to the head of the investigation circuit in the governorate.
- It may be submitted before the investigation procedures begin or during them.
- It is made by petition (a written request) stating the grounds for disqualification.
- The head of the branch or circuit may accept the request, or reject it stating the reason.
The accused or the victim therefore has a legal means if he sees that the investigator has a relationship with him or with the other party that bars him from investigating. The article sets no period for deciding the request. Anyone who wishes to submit a disqualification request should consult a lawyer specializing in criminal cases to draft the grounds.
Practical example
Khalid learned that the investigator in his case had been his sister's husband and divorced her years ago. Khalid can submit a petition to the head of the Authority's branch in his city requesting disqualification of the investigator and stating the reason, because the in-law relationship does not require the marriage to continue. The head of the branch may accept the request or reject it with reasons.
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 8 of the Saudi Implementing Regulations of the Criminal Procedure Law
Can I request changing the investigator in a criminal case?
Yes. Any of the opponents may request disqualification of the investigator before the investigation begins or during it, by a petition stating the grounds.
To whom is a request to disqualify the investigator submitted?
To the head of the Authority's branch in a city that has a branch, or the head of the investigation circuit in the governorate.
Does the in-law relationship remain a bar after divorce?
Yes. The article provides that it is not required for the marriage bond to still exist for the in-law relationship to exist.
Which enmity bars the investigator from handling the case?
Enmity arising for a reason unconnected with the case.
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1- الدعوى الجزائية المشار إليها في المادة (السادسة عشرة) من النظام هي الدعوى الجزائية الخاصة التي تشتمل على حق خاص وحق عام. 2 - لا يبلغ المدعى عليه في الدعوى ال
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1- الجرائم الواجب فيها حق خاص للأفراد المشار إليها في المادة (السابعة عشرة) من النظام هي ما اقتصر الضرر فيها على المجني عليه. 2 - إذا كان هناك أكثر من مجني عليه
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1- يُقصـد بالمجني عليه ووارثه المشار إليهما في المـادة (الثامنة عشرة) من النظام؛ من كان ناقص الأهليـة أو فاقدهـا. 2 - يُدون في ضبط الدعوى ما تجريه المحكمة التي
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1- الدعوى المشار إليها في المادة (التاسعة عشرة) من النظام هي الدعوى الجزائية العامة. 2 - يكون إبلاغ المحكمة لمن رفع الدعوى - في الحالتين المنصوص عليهما في الماد
- Article 9
The article provides that the private criminal case is considered brought from the date the statement of claim submitted by the claimant is registered at the court.
تعد القضية مرفوعة في الدعوى الجزائية الخاصة من تاريخ قيد صحيفة الدعوى المقدمة من المدعي في المحكمة.
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.