Article 24 of the Saudi Publications Law

This article sets a rule and an exception:

• The rule: local newspapers are not subject to control.
• The exception: they may be made subject to control in exceptional circumstances only, and on condition that the Prime Minister approves them.

Under Article 1, a newspaper is any printed material with a fixed title issued periodically or on occasions, such as newspapers, magazines and bulletins. The article concerns local newspapers.

The article does not define what counts as an exceptional circumstance, but it leaves deciding that to the Prime Minister alone. Newspapers not being subject to control does not mean they are exempt from the provisions of the Law; the article speaks of control, while the other obligations in the Law remain in place.

This article comes after Article 23, which allows foreign newspapers to be printed in the Kingdom after the Prime Minister's approval as the Implementing Regulations provide. After it comes Article 25, which regulates issuing newspapers: outside private press institutions, private bodies or individuals may issue newspapers under a license from the Ministry after the Prime Minister's approval, the Ministry's approval is enough for limited-circulation bulletins and specialized scientific and professional magazines, and public educational institutions and government bodies issue their newspapers and scientific magazines after notifying the Ministry.

Anyone with a question about the operation of their newspaper can consult a lawyer who specializes in media and publishing law.