Post by vpainter on Nov 14, 2013 5:24:24 GMT
This is a post I previously wrote. For our contractor employees at Aramco, I would just ask you to keep it in mind. Sincerely, Vpainter
FYI for Aramco Employees who answer posts
by vpainter » Sat Apr 30, 2011 7:43 pm
A newspaper article came out today and some new Royal Decrees have been made. Aramco Employee posters on this forum need to be aware of them. See article below.
For those who use this forum for information prior to coming to Aramco, if you have questions that would fall under something covered by these decrees. I would highly recommend using the Private Message system to receive an answer or give your email address and allow someone to answer directly to you.
All Aramco employees just need to be aware of these changes - this forum meets many needs for new hires and those considering working here. We don't want it to be shut down or blocked due to something written in a public forum.
Thanks!
ARTICLE:
Saudi "Freedom of Speech (R.I.P)
Arab news
Kingdom amends media laws
By MUHAMMAD AL-SULAMI | ARAB NEWS
Published: Apr 29, 2011 23:31 Updated: Apr 29, 2011 23:31
RIYADH: The Kingdom announced Friday a series of amendments to its media law that includes a ban on publishing materials that damages the reputation of the country's religious authorities or harms national interests.
According to a royal decree announced Friday, the amendments are "binding on all responsible persons in publishing to make objective and constructive criticism aimed at the public interest and based on real facts."
The amendments to five clauses to Royal Decree No. 32 of Nov. 29, 2000, specifically makes it a crime to publish materials that harms "the good reputation and honor" of the Kingdom's grand mufti, members of the Council of Senior Religious Scholars and government officials.
The amendments also specify that it is a crime to publishing anything that goes against the Shariah, damages state interests, serves foreign interests, promotes criminal activity, threatens public order or harms national security.
The media are also not allowed to publish details of ongoing investigations or trials without the prior permission of competent authorities.
Individuals found guilty can face a fine of up to SR500,000 or SR1,000,000 for repeat offenders and/or a ban on their works being published or appearing in the media. Organizations found guilty of violating the Kingdom's media law risk being shut down temporarily or permanently. Alternatively, if the violation is not deemed serious enough for closure, media organizations that publish false information or accusations will be required by law to publish retractions and apologies. Violations that are deemed to be an affront to Islam will be referred to a special court.
The rules also apply to online publications.
The decree sets up preliminary and appeals commissions to deal with complaints against the violators. The preliminary commission will include specialists in law and media and will have the power to issue punitive measures to violators found guilty of breaking the law.
An appeals commission will also be established to either uphold rulings of the preliminary commission or reject them. Decisions by the appeals commission will be final.
A royal decree will be issued to set up these commissions. Members of these commissions will hold their posts for three-year terms.
“The royal decree is crystal clear and gives everyone his due," Ahmad Al-Amri, a journalist, told Arab News. "It changes the earlier system of punishing journalists without an opportunity to appeal against a decision.”
Another journalist, Abdullah Al-Johani, said the new amendments would speed up the media awakening in the Kingdom. “The royal decrees unambiguously determine our responsibilities," he added.
Legal expert Khaled Abu Rashed said: “The new amendment to the regulations governing printing and publishing is a positive move to speed up media development in the Kingdom.”
The establishment of preliminary and appeal commissions to look into media violations is very significant, he said, adding that these courts would help cut short the time consumed by legal procedures.
FYI for Aramco Employees who answer posts
by vpainter » Sat Apr 30, 2011 7:43 pm
A newspaper article came out today and some new Royal Decrees have been made. Aramco Employee posters on this forum need to be aware of them. See article below.
For those who use this forum for information prior to coming to Aramco, if you have questions that would fall under something covered by these decrees. I would highly recommend using the Private Message system to receive an answer or give your email address and allow someone to answer directly to you.
All Aramco employees just need to be aware of these changes - this forum meets many needs for new hires and those considering working here. We don't want it to be shut down or blocked due to something written in a public forum.
Thanks!
ARTICLE:
Saudi "Freedom of Speech (R.I.P)
Arab news
Kingdom amends media laws
By MUHAMMAD AL-SULAMI | ARAB NEWS
Published: Apr 29, 2011 23:31 Updated: Apr 29, 2011 23:31
RIYADH: The Kingdom announced Friday a series of amendments to its media law that includes a ban on publishing materials that damages the reputation of the country's religious authorities or harms national interests.
According to a royal decree announced Friday, the amendments are "binding on all responsible persons in publishing to make objective and constructive criticism aimed at the public interest and based on real facts."
The amendments to five clauses to Royal Decree No. 32 of Nov. 29, 2000, specifically makes it a crime to publish materials that harms "the good reputation and honor" of the Kingdom's grand mufti, members of the Council of Senior Religious Scholars and government officials.
The amendments also specify that it is a crime to publishing anything that goes against the Shariah, damages state interests, serves foreign interests, promotes criminal activity, threatens public order or harms national security.
The media are also not allowed to publish details of ongoing investigations or trials without the prior permission of competent authorities.
Individuals found guilty can face a fine of up to SR500,000 or SR1,000,000 for repeat offenders and/or a ban on their works being published or appearing in the media. Organizations found guilty of violating the Kingdom's media law risk being shut down temporarily or permanently. Alternatively, if the violation is not deemed serious enough for closure, media organizations that publish false information or accusations will be required by law to publish retractions and apologies. Violations that are deemed to be an affront to Islam will be referred to a special court.
The rules also apply to online publications.
The decree sets up preliminary and appeals commissions to deal with complaints against the violators. The preliminary commission will include specialists in law and media and will have the power to issue punitive measures to violators found guilty of breaking the law.
An appeals commission will also be established to either uphold rulings of the preliminary commission or reject them. Decisions by the appeals commission will be final.
A royal decree will be issued to set up these commissions. Members of these commissions will hold their posts for three-year terms.
“The royal decree is crystal clear and gives everyone his due," Ahmad Al-Amri, a journalist, told Arab News. "It changes the earlier system of punishing journalists without an opportunity to appeal against a decision.”
Another journalist, Abdullah Al-Johani, said the new amendments would speed up the media awakening in the Kingdom. “The royal decrees unambiguously determine our responsibilities," he added.
Legal expert Khaled Abu Rashed said: “The new amendment to the regulations governing printing and publishing is a positive move to speed up media development in the Kingdom.”
The establishment of preliminary and appeal commissions to look into media violations is very significant, he said, adding that these courts would help cut short the time consumed by legal procedures.
