Saudi Arabia: Expat gets five years in prison, SR150,000 fine for harassing woman

Jail

A foreign national in Saudi Arabia has been sentenced to five years in prison and fined SR150,000 for harassing a woman. Following an investigation by the Public Prosecution's Public Morality division, the case was forwarded to the judiciary, urging the maximum penalties permitted by law. The defendant was apprehended and tried, with the court endorsing the prosecution's stringent recommendations.

The Anti-Harassment Law stipulates severe repercussions for any form of sexual misconduct that violates an individual's dignity, whether through direct contact or digital platforms. This legislation reflects broader initiatives aimed at combating harassment, preventing its occurrence, and safeguarding victims, in line with Islamic Shariah and Saudi legal principles, which prioritize privacy, dignity, and personal freedoms.

This legal action aligns with recent efforts by Saudi security authorities to publicly identify individuals arrested for harassment, promoting transparency and accountability in the legal process.