Malicious Reports in Saudi Arabia: The Penalty and How to Claim Compensation

Have you been summoned over a report you know is false? Or do you want to report something but worry it may be seen as malicious? A malicious report accuses someone of a crime or violation while knowing the accusation is false, or with intent to harm them. Saudi law protects the right to report, but punishes its misuse and gives the person harmed a right to compensation. Here is where the line falls.

Reviewed by: Ghada Nasser Al-HarbiAttorney at USUS Law FirmLast updated: 12 October 2026

When is a report malicious?

So the accusation not being proved does not by itself make the report malicious; what matters is the reporter's knowledge that it was false and their intent.

Common forms of malicious reports

• A false absence ("huroob") report against a worker to pressure them or deny their rights. Read transfer of sponsorship.
• Accusing a partner or relative of theft or fraud to win a financial or family dispute.
• An invented harassment or abuse report for revenge.
• Repeated baseless reports against a neighbour or competitor.

What to do if you are the target of a malicious report

1. Do not ignore the summons; attend with a lawyer if possible.
2. Gather proof that the report is false: documents, messages, witnesses, and proof of where you were at the time.
3. Defend yourself first until the case is closed or you are acquitted.
4. Then you can sue the reporter, seeking their punishment and compensation for material and moral harm. Read compensation for moral damage.

The penalty for a malicious report is discretionary (ta'zir), set by the judge according to the harm and circumstances; check the current official text.

How to report without it being malicious

• State the facts as they happened, without exaggeration or presenting conclusions as facts.
• Separate what you saw yourself from what you heard.
• Attach the evidence you have, and never invent evidence.
• If the dispute is financial or civil, its route is a claim, not a criminal report.

Frequently asked questions

The case against me was closed. Does that mean the report was malicious?

Not automatically; you must prove the reporter knew the accusation was false or intended to harm you.

Can I claim compensation for a malicious report?

Yes, for material harm such as lost wages and legal fees, and moral harm such as damage to your reputation.

Is a false absence report a malicious report?

It can be, if it is proved the employer knew the worker was not absent; the worker can challenge it and claim their rights.

Accused through a false report?

The Usus Law Firm team handles criminal cases: defence during the investigation, then the malicious-report claim and compensation, in Riyadh and Tabuk.

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.