Article 15 of the Saudi Donation Collection Law

This article governs the precautionary attachment of bank accounts, a measure that temporarily prevents dealing with the money. Its elements are:

• Who may request it: the licensing authority, the Public Prosecution and the Presidency of State Security.
• What is attached: the bank accounts of any licensed entity, or of any natural or legal person, who collects donations in a way that violates the provisions of the Law.
• Duration: not exceeding 60 days.
• Extension: the attachment may be extended for a longer period by a judicial order issued by the competent court.

This is subject to two restrictions stated at the start of the article:

1. Having regard to what the Law of Associations and Civil Foundations provides.
2. Having regard to the right of any other party acting in good faith.

Note that the attachment is not limited to licensed entities; it also covers individuals and other entities that collect donations in violation of the Law. The article also speaks of requesting the attachment, and does not specify the body to which the request is submitted in the first period.

This article comes after Article 14, which requires suspending the violating licensed entity from collecting donations for the purpose for which it collected them. Article 16 follows, making investigation of violations of the Law and prosecution before the competent court a matter for the Public Prosecution. Someone whose account has been attached would do well to consult a lawyer who specializes in criminal cases without delay.