Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia's Public Prosecution has outlined steps that are taken before referring a case to a court. If the Public Prosecution finds, at the end of its investigation, that there is substantial evidence against the accused, it shall file the case to the competent court and instruct the accused to appear before it.

The Public Prosecution files a lawsuit in accordance with regulations that include identifying the accused by stating his name, surname, nationality, age, place of residence or job, identification number, and qualification, in addition to designating the private right claimant — if any — by stating his name, description, address, and ID number.

The regulations include a statement about the crime attributed to the accused, by specifying the elements that make it up, and the aggravating or mitigating circumstances associated with it, mentioning the legal or statutory texts that apply to it, and determining the type of punishment, whether it is a punishment or discretionary penalty.

It also includes a statement of evidence that the crime had occurred and was attributed to the accused, and the names and signatures of witnesses as well as a member of the Public Prosecution Office.

It also stressed that the Public Prosecution should inform the litigants about the order issued by it to refer the case to the court within five days after the date of its issuance.