In brief
Prohibits publishing or disclosing classified documents and information by public officials and those treated as such, and sets penalties and complicity.
Summary of the law
Key points
- Up to twenty years' imprisonment or SAR 1 million, or both, for publishing or disclosing a classified document (Article 5); accomplices face the same penalty (Article 6).
- Anyone a government body assigns to a specific task is treated as a public official, so keep material from government work confidential.
An advisory summary prepared by Al-Bayan Al-Wadih Law Firm. It is not an official text and does not replace the law, its implementing regulations, or advice from a specialised lawyer. The official published text and its amendments prevail.
What it covers
- Classified documents
- Persons treated as officials
- Penalties
Timeline
- Issued: Royal Decree M/35 · 8/5/1432H
Full record of amendments and regulations at the official source
Official text at the Bureau of Experts
The authoritative text is in Arabic; the Bureau of Experts publishes English translations for some laws.
Full official text
The full official text is in Arabic and is reproduced on the Arabic version of this page, as published by the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers. Read the full Arabic text
Library content is simplified general information for awareness only. It is not legal advice and does not replace the official text. Laws change: always check the official source and consult a lawyer before acting. Library data last reviewed: .