Saudi Arabia: 5 yrs in jail or SAR 3M fine for sexual harassment

Riyadh: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has announced a fine of up to Saudi Riyal of three million or five-year jail for sexual insinuations and verbal harassment on social media, local media reported.

Specialized jurists confirmed to Arabic daily Okaz that sexual insinuations or verbal harassment that have become prevalent in some social media applications, such as Tik-Tok, are punishable by law. A strict penalty of imprisonment for a term that may reach five years or a fine, depending on the incident and circumstances will be imposed on the violators.

The verdict against the offender can also be published in local newspapers.

According to the law, harassment refers to any sexual statement, act or gesture made by any person towards another that harms the body and honour as well as offends morals in any way including modern media.

Earlier, on June 16, the Kingdom had announced the imposition of a fine of 500,000 Saudi Arabian Riyals (SAR) and 5-year jail on anyone who is caught stealing the belongings of air passengers.