Article 3 of the Saudi Juveniles Law Implementing Regulations
المادة 3 من اللائحة التنفيذية لنظام الأحداث
Article 3 regulates recording a complaining juvenile's report and hearing his testimony in designated places in the Home away from detention, in a way that prevents being alone with him, in detail and on a form prepared with the Public Prosecution.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
1- تخصَّص أماكن داخل الدار لضبط بلاغ الحدث المدعي وتسمع شهادته، وتكون بعيدة عن أماكن التوقيف ويشعر فيها بالراحة والطمأنينة.
2- إذا كان الحدث لا يحمل ما يثبت هويته، فيضبط بلاغه وتسمع شهادته من رئيس جهة الضبط أو من ينيبه وتحت مسؤوليته وبحضور مندوب من الوزارة، أو بما يمنع الخلوة والانفراد به.
3- مع مراعاة الفقرة (1) من هذه المادة، يضبط بلاغ الحدث المدّعي وتسمع شهادته بشكل مفصل وبما يفيد في كشف الحقيقة على نحو يكفل عدم حضوره مستقبلاً، وفق نموذج يعد بالتنسيق مع النيابة العامة.
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 3 explained in plain English
This article protects the juvenile when he is a complainant, meaning one who reports or complains, not an accused. It sets three provisions:
1. The place: places are designated within the Home for recording the complaining juvenile's report and hearing his testimony, and they are to be:
- Away from the places of detention.
- Places where the juvenile feels comfortable and reassured.
2. A juvenile who carries nothing proving his identity: his report is recorded and his testimony heard by the head of the law enforcement authority or whoever he delegates and under his responsibility, in the presence of a representative of the Ministry, or in a way that prevents being alone with him or isolating him.
3. The manner of recording: subject to paragraph one, the report is recorded and the testimony heard in detail and in a way that helps uncover the truth, so as to ensure that he will not need to appear in future, on a form prepared in coordination with the Public Prosecution.
The practical meaning of the third paragraph is that the juvenile's statements are taken in full the first time, so that he does not need to return and give them again, which lightens the burden on him. The article does not state the contents of the form.
A guardian whose son or daughter has been assaulted and who wants to report may consult a lawyer specializing in criminal and juvenile cases.
Practical example
A 12-year-old girl is assaulted and files a report. Her report is recorded and her testimony heard in a designated place within the Home, away from the places of detention, and her statements are taken in detail on the form prepared with the Public Prosecution, so as to ensure she does not need to appear again.
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 3 of the Saudi Juveniles Law Implementing Regulations
Where is the testimony of a complaining juvenile heard?
In designated places inside the Home, away from the places of detention, where he feels comfortable and reassured.
Can a complaining juvenile be summoned more than once?
His report is recorded and his testimony heard in detail so as to ensure he does not need to appear in future.
How is a juvenile who carries no ID protected when his testimony is heard?
His testimony is heard by the head of the law enforcement authority or whoever he delegates, under his responsibility and in the presence of a Ministry representative, or in a way that prevents being alone with him.
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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.