Article 4 of the Saudi Rights of Persons with Disabilities Law
المادة 4 من نظام حقوق الأشخاص ذوي الإعاقة · الباب الثاني: الحقوق والخدمات
The article gives persons with disabilities the right to accessibility requirements and reasonable accommodation at all stages of evidence gathering, investigation, trial and enforcement of judgments.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
للأشخاص ذوي الإعاقة الحق في أن توفَّر لهم متطلبات إمكانية الوصول والترتيبات التيسيرية في جميع مراحل الاستدلال والتحقيق والمحاكمة وتنفيذ الأحكام.
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 4 explained in plain English
This article ensures that disability is not a barrier to justice. It establishes the right of persons with disabilities to be provided with:
- Accessibility requirements: under the definition in Article 1, measures ensuring they can reach services, the physical environment, information and communications on an equal basis with others.
- Reasonable accommodation: measures meeting the special requirements of a person or group, without imposing a disproportionate burden on the body providing them.
This right extends to all stages the article mentions:
- Evidence gathering.
- Investigation.
- Trial.
- Enforcement of judgments.
The text is general and does not limit the right to a particular capacity, so it covers a person with a disability at any of these stages. The article does not specify particular forms of accommodation, so each case is considered according to the person's needs and the nature of the disability. This article comes after Article 3 on access to physical environments, and before Article 5 on taking their requirements into account in emergencies, disasters and crises.
Anyone who is a party to a case and needs special accommodations should request them from the competent body, and consult a lawyer specializing in criminal cases or in the rights of persons with disabilities, depending on the nature of the case.
Practical example
Abdullah has a hearing disability and has been summoned to give a statement about an incident. Under Article 4, he is entitled to reasonable accommodation suited to his condition, such as a means of communication he understands, at the evidence-gathering stage and then at investigation and trial if the case reaches them.
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 4 of the Saudi Rights of Persons with Disabilities Law
Can a person with a disability request accommodations during a trial?
Yes. The article gives the right to accessibility requirements and reasonable accommodation at all stages of evidence gathering, investigation, trial and enforcement of judgments.
Does the right cover the enforcement stage?
Yes. The article lists enforcement of judgments among the stages the right covers.
Does the article specify the type of accommodation required?
No. It establishes the right in general terms without specifying particular forms of accommodation.
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.