There were two incidents of Harassment reported on social media and soon the offenders were arrested by the Saudi Authorities. According to the official news, both the offenders are male, in their 20s and were arrested within 24 hours! The two condemnable events took place last week. One in Alkhobar and the other in Dammam.
The first incident
The first incident was filmed by the victim and the video went viral on social media. According to the video, the female victim is being verbally and abused as she was driving her car. She was being asked by the harasser to get out of the car as “he wants her”. The harasser was threatening her so that she might come out of the car.
The women did not file a report against the harasser yet uploaded the video on social media with a plea to make it viral so that the officials could view it. She says she wasn’t disappointed by the officials as they issued his arrest warrants within no time!
The second Incident
The second incident that took place in Dammam, was captured by a CCTV. A woman was abused from behind by a man as she was leaving the grocery store. As soon as the voices were raised against the harasser, Saudi Arabia’s Attorney General Saud Al-Moajab gave immediate orders of the arrest of the harasser.
The Police spokesman Col. Ziyad Al-Riqaiti did not reveal the identity of both the offender yet it was made clear that they have been arrested.
People of Saudi Arabia have highly condemned these acts as they share the videos of the harassers. They say they stand with such victims and have pledged the government to take strong actions against the offenders.
Women in Saudi Arabia stood against harassment
Women of Saudi Arabia should not stay quiet on such incidents. They shall report them and make sure justice is served to them!
According to Noura Shaaban, the member of Shoura Council:
“We live in the reign of King Salman, who has ensured that women must work in a safe environment.”
She also assured that King Salman has issued laws to fight against the harassment. Women in Saudi Arabia shall be given the freedom to continue their lives and daily activities. They have full support from their leaders.
أخي المواطن.أخي المقيم.
جريمة التحرش تقترف بكل قول أوفعل أو إشارة تصدر من شخص تجاه آخر ذات مدلول جنسي تمس جسده أو عرضه أو تخدش حياءه بشكل مباشر أو غير مباشر بما في ذلك وسائل التقنية وعقوباتها السجن مدة تبلغ إلى سنتين وغرامة مالية تصل مائة ألف ريال وتشدد حال العود.#النيابة_العامة pic.twitter.com/6Bean2gvYj— النيابة العامة (@bip_ksa) May 11, 2019
The punishment for Harassment
The law provides for penalties of up to two years in prison and fines of u years in prison and to pay a fine up to SR100,000 ($26,664.5). In 2017, a royal decree states that harassment poses danger to society, individuals and people. It is also against the Islamic laws, customs of Saudi Arabia and our cherished traditions.
Source: Arab News
