Article 43 of the Saudi Environment Law

This Article places an obligation on the violator that goes beyond the penalty, which is repairing what the violation damaged. The violator must do three things:

1. Remove the effects resulting from the violation.
2. Carry out rehabilitation.
3. Pay compensation.

These obligations are as determined by the regulations. The Article does not state the method of removal, the level of rehabilitation, the basis for calculating compensation or who is entitled to it; it refers these to the Implementing Regulations.

The importance of this Article is that paying the fine or serving the penalty is not enough by itself to discharge the violator; he may be punished and still be required to repair the damage. The Article does not require the violation to be of a particular type, so it covers in general anyone who violates the provisions of the Law.

This Article sits between Article 42, which gives the Public Prosecution the investigation and prosecution of the violations in Article 40, and Article 44, which allows precautionary suspension of an activity in urgent cases.

If an obligation to remove effects or pay compensation has been imposed on you, or you were harmed by a violation and want to know your rights, you may wish to consult a lawyer who specializes in environmental law.