The Saudi Arabian government has chosen to publicly identify individuals apprehended for sexual harassment, as a means to embarrass and deter sexual offenders.
The Mecca authorities have reported the apprehension of an Egyptian man, who is alleged to have harassed a female. In a formal press release, they have revealed the complete name of the accused individual.
In a separate incident in Jeddah, authorities reported the apprehension of a Saudi male, disclosing his full name, due to allegations of sexual harassment.
Police have announced that the individuals responsible for both incidents have been handed over to the prosecutors. In recent times, Saudi officials have been working to enhance women’s rights and overcome these obstacles.
In Saudi Arabia, the law imposes penalties for sexual harassment, including imprisonment of up to two years and a fine of SAR100,000. The consequences may escalate to a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of SR300,000 if the offense is repeated or occurs in public.
The Saudi government has highlighted that the consequences for sexual harassment are irreversible and enduring, even if the victim decides not to exercise their rights or avoids submitting an official complaint.
In cases where harassment involves a child, an individual with special needs, or someone in a sleep or unconscious state, the consequences can include imprisonment of up to five years and a fine not exceeding SAR 300,000.
According to the Saudi Human Rights Commission, when it comes to the offense of harassment, if the victim chooses to relinquish their own rights or decides not to file a complaint, this does not prevent the relevant authorities from taking the required legal steps they believe are necessary to uphold the general welfare.
The commission described harassment as any form of verbal communication, behavior, or action that carries a sexual connotation and is directed towards another person, involves bullying someone’s physical appearance, or displays disrespect in any manner, including through contemporary technology.
