Article 11 of the Saudi Prisons and Detention Law
المادة 11 من نظام السجن والتوقيف
A convict whose stay in prison exceeds four years must go through a transition period before release, counted as part of the sentence, to make it easier to integrate him into society.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
إذا زادت مدة بقاء المحكوم عليه في السجن عن أربع سنين، وجب قبل الإفراج عنه أن يمر بفترة انتقال تهدف إلى تيسير إدماجه في المجتمع بعد الإفراج عنه وتحتسب هذه الفترة من مدة العقوبة وتحدد اللائحة التنفيذية مدة هذه الفترة وكيفية معاملة المسجون خلالها. على أن يراعى التدرج في تخفيف القيود أو منح المزايا.
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 11 explained in plain English
This article establishes a special stage before the release of certain convicts, called the transition period:
- When is it required? If the convict's stay in prison exceeds four years.
- Its timing: before his release.
- Its purpose: to make it easier to integrate him into society after his release.
- How it is counted: this period is counted as part of the sentence, so it is neither added to the sentence nor does it lengthen it.
- How he is treated: gradual easing of restrictions or granting of privileges is to be observed.
The text uses the word "must", so it is not optional once its condition is met. But the text does not specify the length of this period or the details of treatment during it; it leaves it to the Implementing Regulations to set its duration and how the prisoner is treated during it.
The article comes after Article (10), which refers to the regulations the rules for classifying prisoners by crimes, seriousness, length of sentence and the bases for their rehabilitation, and before Article (12), which deals with rules for visits, correspondence, and the treatment and privileges of detainees.
To find out what applies to a particular prisoner's case, you can consult a lawyer who specializes in criminal cases.
Practical example
Majed was sentenced to six years in prison. Because his stay in prison exceeds four years, he must go through a transition period before his release in which restrictions are eased or privileges granted gradually, and this period is counted within the same six years; its length is set by the Implementing Regulations.
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 11 of the Saudi Prisons and Detention Law
What is the transition period before a prisoner's release?
A period a convict goes through before release if his stay in prison exceeds four years, aimed at making it easier to integrate him into society.
Does the transition period add to the prison term?
No. The article states that this period is counted as part of the sentence.
How long is the transition period?
The article does not specify it; it refers to the Implementing Regulations the setting of its duration and how the prisoner is treated during it.
More articles on Conditional Release and Reduced Sentences
- Article 20
The article sets the penalties for a prisoner or detainee who violates order: solitary confinement up to 15 days and loss of privileges, with harsher measures for repetition, and restraints not exceeding 72 hours.
الجزاءات التي يجوز توقيعها على المسجون أو الموقوف في حالة إخلاله بالنظام داخل السجن أو دار التوقيف هي: 1 - الحبس الانفرادي لمدة لا تزيد على خمسة عشر يوما. 2 - ا
- Article 25Amended by M/45
The Minister of Interior may grant conditional release to someone who has served three quarters of his sentence under conditions, and may set an additional pardon of up to 15% for someone who completes education or vocational training programs.
أ - يجوز لوزير الداخلية أن يقرر الإفراج تحت شرط عن أي محكوم عليه بعقوبة السجن إذا أمضى في السجن ثلاثة أرباع مدة العقوبة وكان سلوكه أثناء وجوده في السجن يدعو إلى
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.