Is the Imam liable for damages resulting from corporal punishment administered based on false witness testimony?

Primary text

The Imam is liable to guarantee any resulting consequences of the striking (punishment) if the witnesses are subsequently found to be sinful (*fusāqa*), disbelievers (*kuffār*), or slaves (*'abīd*). This position is held by Al-Shafi'i. The basis for this ruling is that the act constitutes a wrongful injury (*jināyah*) issued from the Imam's error, making it his liability, similar to cases where he causes amputation or death.