A resident of Riyadh was arrested on charges of harassment through visual content and referred to the Public Prosecution
Security authorities in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, announced that the Criminal Investigation Department of the regional police had arrested a resident after receiving a report from an expatriate accusing him of harassment through the use of visual content. Initial legal procedures were taken against the accused, and he was referred to the Public Prosecution for further investigation and application of the applicable laws in such cases.
This incident underscores the high level of vigilance maintained by Saudi Arabian security forces and their swift response to reports from both citizens and residents. Riyadh police treated the report with utmost seriousness, resulting in the identification and arrest of the suspect in record time, reflecting the efficiency of the security system in tracking down crimes and apprehending perpetrators.
Saudi Arabia's anti-harassment system: A firm legal framework
This incident falls under the purview of the anti-harassment law enacted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2018. This law aims to combat and prevent harassment, punish perpetrators, and protect victims, thereby safeguarding individual privacy, dignity, and personal freedom as guaranteed by Islamic law and applicable regulations. The law defines harassment as any statement, action, or gesture with sexual connotations made by one person towards another that violates their body, honor, or modesty, by any means whatsoever, including modern technology. This definition applies to the use of "visual content" in the aforementioned incident.
Sanctions and social impact
The system imposes strict penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines, to deter anyone contemplating such acts. The Public Prosecution consistently emphasizes its unwavering commitment to enforcing the law against violators, affirming that protecting members of society from reprehensible behavior is a top priority. These measures are of paramount importance in enhancing the sense of security within Saudi society, for citizens, residents, and visitors alike.
This firmness in enforcing the law reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to providing a safe and healthy environment for all, in line with the quality of life targets within the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which focuses on preserving rights, promoting ethical values in society, and ensuring the rule of law for all without exception.
