The Public Prosecution is the body that brings and conducts criminal cases before the courts (Article 15 of the Criminal Procedure Law). It investigates, orders detention or release, and decides at the end whether a case goes to court or is closed. Whether you reported a crime, are accused, or have a relative in detention, knowing what happens there saves a great deal of worry and many mistakes.
Reviewed by: Khaled ElnaggarDirector of USUS Law FirmLast updated:
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Booking an appointment
Visits to the Public Prosecution are by prior appointment, booked online through its official channels, usually logging in with the National Single Sign-On (Nafath). Have ready the case or report number, the branch handling it, and your capacity: victim, accused, or agent with a valid power of attorney. Service names and steps change, so check the official channel when booking.
What happens at the Public Prosecution
| Stage | What happens | Article |
|---|---|---|
| The case arrives | From the police with the evidence report; the police must inform the Prosecution at once | 27 |
| First interview | The investigator records the details, states the charge, and has the statement read back before signing | 101 |
| The lawyer | The accused may have a lawyer attend, may not be separated from him, and the lawyer may file written notes | 65, 70 |
| Detention or release | Detention order of up to 5 days, extendable within limits, or release | 113, 114 |
| Decision | Refer to court with a charge sheet, or close the file | 124, 126 |
Closure or referral
If the evidence is insufficient, the investigator recommends closing the case and releasing a detained accused. The closure order states its reasons and is notified to the private claimant; in major crimes it needs the Attorney General's approval (Article 124). A closed case can be reopened if new evidence appears (Article 125). If the evidence is sufficient, the Prosecution files a charge sheet with the court (Article 126).
If you are the victim
In crimes involving a private right, a case is brought only on the victim's complaint, unless the Prosecution sees a public interest (Article 17). You may bring your private claim before the competent court (Article 16), and you must be told if the case is closed (Article 64).
Detention periods and detainee rights are explained in detention period in Saudi Arabia.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book an appointment with the Public Prosecution?
Online through its official channels, usually via Nafath, with the case or report number and the branch. Check the official channel, as steps change.
Can a lawyer attend the investigation?
Yes. The accused may have a lawyer attend (Article 65) and may not be separated from him (Article 70).
Can a closed case be reopened?
Yes, if new evidence strengthens the accusation (Article 125).
What is the difference between the police and the Prosecution?
The police gather evidence and inform the Prosecution at once (Article 27). The Prosecution investigates, refers or closes the case, and conducts it in court (Article 15).
A case at the Public Prosecution?
Usus Law Firm attends investigations with clients and follows detention, release, closure and referral, in Riyadh and Tabuk, in English and Arabic. See criminal lawyer in Riyadh.
Articles cited are from the Law of Criminal Procedure (Royal Decree M/2 of 22/1/1435H). Always check the current official text.
Legal review: the Usus Law Firm team
A select team of lawyers and legal advisers licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Justice, working from Riyadh and Tabuk, with experience before the general, commercial, labor, criminal, personal status and administrative courts. Every article is reviewed before publication and updated when laws or regulations change.
Last reviewed: 19 October 2026
This article is general legal information and is not a substitute for advice on your specific case. Court proceedings in Saudi Arabia are in Arabic; the official Arabic text of each law prevails.
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