Terrorism Laws and Penalties in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has implemented various laws to combat terrorism and prevent its spread within the kingdom. Below is a summary of key articles related to terrorism, including penalties for individuals and legal persons.

Article 42: Destroying Public or Private Utilities

Penalty: Up to 15 years in prison (or as little as 8 years if done with the intention of committing a terrorist crime)
Description: Destroying public or private utilities, means of transport, or companies/platforms can result in severe penalties.

Article 43: Establishing or Transmitting Websites and Electronic Systems

Penalty: Up to 20 years in prison (or as little as 5 years)
Description: Establishing or transmitting websites, programs, or electronic systems for committing terrorist crimes can lead to significant imprisonment terms. This includes facilitating communication with terrorists, financing them, and promoting their ideologies.

Article 44: Broadcasting False Information

Penalty: Up to 5 years in prison (or as little as 1 year)
Description: Broadcasting false or malicious information to implement a terrorist crime can result in imprisonment terms.

Article 45: Planning or Meeting in Saudi Territories

Penalty: Up to 10 years in prison (or as little as 5 years)
Description: Planning or meeting in the Kingdom’s territories to commit a terrorist crime can lead to significant penalties.

Article 46: Obstructing Investigations and Attacking Officials

Penalty: Up to 10 years in prison (or as little as 3 years)
Description: Obstructing investigations, attacking officials, or threatening them can result in imprisonment terms.

Article 47: Providing Funds for Terrorist Purposes

Penalty: Up to 15 years in prison (or as little as 5 years) if not exploited through professional capacity or social standing (minimum penalty of 10 years)
Description: Providing funds for terrorist purposes, including using legitimate sources for illegitimate means, can lead to significant imprisonment terms.

Article 48: Traveling to Commit Terrorist Offenses

Penalty: Up to 15 years in prison (or as little as 5 years)
Description: Traveling to another state to commit terrorist offenses can result in penalties for individuals.

Article 49: Penalties for Legal Persons

Fines: Up to 10 million Saudi riyals
Business Suspension: Legal persons whose owners, representatives, directors, or agents commit terrorist crimes can face significant fines and business suspension.

Article 50: Enhanced Penalties

Death Penalty: If a crime results in the death of one or more people, the perpetrator can be sentenced to death.
Increased Imprisonment Terms: The imprisonment penalty term for other crimes cannot be less than half the greater term specified if:
- Weapons or explosives are used
- The crime is committed through a club or non-profit organization (NPO)
- The perpetrator resumes committing the crime
- Minors are exploited in committing the crime

Please note that these articles may not be up-to-date, and the exact penalties and terms may vary depending on specific circumstances and case law.