A resident of Riyadh was arrested on charges of harassing an expat and documenting the incident
Security patrols in the Riyadh region announced on Tuesday the arrest of an Afghan resident, in a swift response to video content circulated on social media platforms, which showed another expat claiming that he had been harassed by the accused.
Public Security, through its official account on the "X" platform (formerly Twitter), explained that, in reference to the circulated video documenting the expatriate's complaint, security authorities immediately launched an investigation, which led to the identification and arrest of the suspect. The statement confirmed that the resident was detained and all initial legal procedures were taken against him, in preparation for referring him to the Public Prosecution to complete the investigations and apply deterrent penalties.
Anti-harassment system: A firm legal framework
This incident comes in light of the strict application of the anti-harassment system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which was approved in 2018. This system is a fundamental turning point in Saudi penal legislation, as it aims to combat the crime of harassment, prevent its occurrence, apply punishment to its perpetrators, and protect victims, in order to preserve the privacy, dignity, and personal freedom of the individual guaranteed by the provisions of Islamic Sharia and the applicable regulations.
The law stipulates severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to two years and fines of up to 100,000 riyals. These penalties are doubled in specific cases, such as repeated offenses, abuse of power, or if the crime occurs in a workplace, educational institution, shelter, or care facility, in which case the penalty can reach five years imprisonment and a fine of 300,000 riyals. The law covers harassment in all its forms, whether verbal, physical, or electronic.
Speed of security response and the role of digital authentication
The swift arrest of the suspect in this case reflects the high efficiency of Saudi security services and their ability to detect and decisively address violations in the digital sphere. Technological advancements and the proliferation of social media have transformed cameras and smartphones into tools for documenting human rights violations, enabling authorities to apprehend perpetrators in record time.
This event also highlights the importance of community awareness regarding the need to report moral crimes, as the Ministry of Interior provides multiple and easy channels for reporting, such as the "We Are All Security" application, which enhances the concept of community partnership in maintaining security.
Social impact and deterrent message
The announcement of the arrests of those accused in harassment cases sends a strong message of reassurance to society: the law applies to everyone without exception, whether citizens or residents. This firmness contributes to strengthening the sense of security and stability within the Kingdom and underscores the state's commitment to protecting human rights and preserving the human dignity of everyone living on its land, thus reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a safe environment for work and life, adhering to the highest human rights standards.
