By Adnan Al-Shabrawi

Okaz/Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — The Criminal Court in Jeddah has ordered compensation worth SR750,000 to a citizen for his detention in a criminal case in which he was absolved later. The citizen was detained for more than 12 months in connection with a criminal case and was found not guilty later. His innocence prompted him to file a lawsuit for compensation for the damage suffered by the denial of his freedom.

The court stressed that the State was bound to protect human rights. “The State provides security to all its citizens residing on its territory. No citizen will be arrested or imprisoned or his movements can be restricted except under the provisions of the law,” it said.

The court based its judgment on the order of the highest authorities that confirms protection of the rights of individuals and that no action shall be taken to curtail those rights and freedoms except within the limits prescribed by the rules of law.

The Court of Appeal ruled earlier that the Jeddah Criminal Court, which acquitted the accused, should hear the compensation claim filed by the petitioner. In the lawsuit, the citizen sought compensation of SR5 million for the psychological and social harm caused to him as well as for curtailing his freedom for more than 12 months. The citizen was detained in Briman Prison until the court found him innocent of the charges against him, and that verdict was later upheld by the Court of Appeal.

Sumayya Al-Hindi, a female lawyer, said anyone proved innocent after serving a prison term has the right to demand financial compensation.

"Every man or woman who is unfairly detained or imprisoned for no valid reason has the right to ask for compensation," she said.

Azouf Al-Harbe, another female lawyer, said in case of material or moral harm such as unfair imprisonment, loss of property or defamation, the victim has the right to ask for compensation under the law.