Riyadh police penalizes nine residents for public decency violations

Saudi Arabia’s anti-harassment law provides for penalties of up to two years in prison and fines of up to SR100,000. (SPA)

• Saudi Arabia’s anti-harassment law provides for penalties of up to two years in prison and fines of up to SR100,000 ($26,664.5)

RIYADH: Riyadh police have cited nine women for public decency violations on Monday, police spokesperson Lt. Col. Shakir Al-Tuwaijri said.
They were also penalized imposed penalties in line with the Public Decency Code, approved by the Council of Ministers’ decision Number (444) on April 9, 2019.
A spokesman for the Riyadh police earlier said that 24 people have been arrested in connection with videos circulating on social media documenting alleged incidents of street harassment.
The footage depicts a group of people harassing a number of attendees at a major public event in the capital. The suspects, the spokesman said, would be subject to penalties prescribed by anti-harassment laws in the Kingdom if found guilty.
Saudi Arabia’s anti-harassment law provides for penalties of up to two years in prison and fines of up to SR100,000 ($26,664.5).
In 2017, a royal decree stated that “considering the dangers sexual harassment poses and its negative impact on the individual, the family and society along with its contradiction of Islamic principles, our customs and traditions,” the Interior Ministry “shall prepare a draft law to tackle sexual harassment.” The decree came days after the ban on women driving was lifted.
In May 2018, the Shoura Council and Cabinet approved legislation, drafted by the ministry and instructed by King Salman, that criminalized sexual harassment.