Al-Samait to 'Al-Rai': New, Unique, and Exceptional Penalty Law
The Minister of Justice confirms the completion of a draft new penalty law to combat crimes and develop the legal system.
Translated by Qiyas from الراي — Original source
As the Ministry of Justice nears completion of the final steps to issue a new penal code, as part of its efforts to modernize the criminal justice system, Minister of Justice Advisor Nasser Al-Sumait told Al-Rai in an exclusive interview that the committee formed to draft the bill, chaired by Advisor Saud Al-Sana, has finished the draft and is currently soliciting opinions from relevant stakeholders.
Al-Sumait said the committee has so far received responses from about half of the contacted entities, while awaiting the rest. He clarified that once all opinions and comments are collected, the committee will study them and finalize the draft before referring it to the Fatwa and Legislation Department for legal phrasing.
He added, “We hope the new penal code will be qualitative and exceptional, and that, God willing, it will contribute to combating crime and developing the penal system in line with current changes and challenges.”
In this regard, Al-Rai learned that the committee for reviewing and developing the law has completed its work and submitted its final report to Minister Al-Sumait, outlining the key results and findings of its efforts.
The committee prepared a draft of the proposed new penal code, along with a draft decree-law for issuing the penal code and its explanatory memorandum, as well as comparative tables between the new draft and the existing penal code issued by Law No. 16 of 1960 and its amendments.
The proposed draft provides for the repeal of the penal code issued by Law No. 16 of 1960 and its amendments, as well as Law No. 19 of 2012 concerning the protection of national unity, with the provisions of the new penal code replacing those contained in those legislations.
The Ministry of Justice has also addressed several government entities, requesting them to study the draft, provide their opinions, and submit their comments and observations on the proposed provisions.
The new draft aims to establish a more comprehensive legislative framework that keeps pace with developments in society and crime patterns, achieving a balance between crime prevention, deterrence of offenders, and rehabilitation of the guilty, thereby supporting societal protection and maintaining social order and public security.
