Saudi law distinguishes between qadhf (accusing someone of adultery), insult and abuse, and online defamation, each with its own penalty and route.
The difference
| Act | Meaning | Penalty in general |
|---|---|---|
| Qadhf | Explicitly accusing someone of adultery or denying lineage | A fixed Sharia penalty when its conditions are met, otherwise discretionary |
| Insult and abuse | Offensive language without such an accusation | Discretionary penalty set by the judge |
| Online defamation | Posting on social media or apps to cause harm | Anti-Cybercrime Law: prison and a fine that may reach one year and SAR 500,000 |
Public and private rights
You hold a private right you may claim or waive; the court also hears a public right that may continue even after you waive. Settlement usually reduces the penalty but does not always end the case.
Proving it
- Online: screenshots showing the account, date and link, and save the link before deletion.
- In person: witnesses and camera footage.
- Voice and text messages are evidence under the Law of Evidence. Do not reply in kind: it makes you an accused too.
Steps
- Gather and copy the evidence.
- Report to the security authorities, or as a cybercrime if online. Read the Anti-Cybercrime Law.
- The case goes to the Public Prosecution and then the Criminal Court.
Defamed, or accused of insult?
Usus Law Firm handles criminal and cybercrime cases in full confidence, in Riyadh and Tabuk, and advises in English.
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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