Article 40 of the Saudi Publications Law

This article regulates the grievance stage against the primary committee's decisions, and includes three provisions:

1. The appeals committee:

• It is formed with a chairman who has experience in judicial work, with a legal adviser and a media specialist as members, provided that the practical experience of each of them in his profession is not less than 25 years.
• It considers grievances submitted by interested parties against the decisions of the primary committee referred to in Article 37.
• It issues its decisions unanimously or by majority, and they are final and not subject to appeal before any other body.

2. Working rules: the Minister issues the rules governing the work of the primary and appeals committees and stating their jurisdictions as provided in the Law.

3. Formation and membership: a royal order is issued forming the two committees, naming their chairmen and members and setting their remuneration, and the term of membership is three years, renewable.

Under Article 37, the primary committee considers violations of the Law and applies penalties on a complaint from a person with standing and a direct interest or on referral by the Minister, and it issues its decisions after inviting the violator and hearing his statements.

This article sets no deadline for submitting a grievance. It was amended by Royal Decree No. M/20 dated 11/4/1433 AH. Because the appeals committee's decision is final, anyone against whom a primary decision has been issued should consult a lawyer who specializes in media and publishing law before submitting a grievance.