Public Prosecution Law

Purpose and scope

• Organises the Public Prosecution, which is part of the judicial authority, fully independent and organisationally linked to the King, and no one may interfere in its work (Article 1 as amended).

Key rules, rights and obligations

• It investigates crimes, decides whether to bring or close a case, prosecutes before the courts, appeals or seeks cassation of judgments, and supervises the execution of criminal sentences (Article 3 as amended).
• It inspects prisons and detention centres, receives complaints from prisoners and detainees, and checks the lawfulness of their imprisonment or detention (Article 3 as amended).
• It consists of the Attorney General, a deputy and a sufficient number of members (Article 2 as amended).

Violations, penalties and common problems

• Disciplinary action against a member is brought on investigation and at the Attorney General's request (Article 17 as amended); if a member is arrested in flagrante, the matter is referred within twenty-four hours to the competent body to decide on continued detention or release (Article 19).

Procedures and key deadlines

• A detainee or their family may complain to the Public Prosecution if they consider the detention or imprisonment unlawful, under its oversight role (Article 3 as amended).
• Arrest, investigation and detention procedures and their time limits are governed by the Law of Criminal Procedure.

An advisory summary prepared by Al-Bayan Al-Wadih Law Firm. It is not an official text and does not replace the law, its implementing regulations, or advice from a specialised lawyer. The official published text and its amendments prevail.