A resident of Riyadh was arrested on charges of harassment: details of the incident
In a swift security response reflecting the vigilance of security personnel in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, security patrols in the Riyadh region were able, on Tuesday, to arrest an Afghan resident on charges of harassing another expatriate, an incident that was documented and circulated through visual content that spread on social media platforms.
Public Security, through its official account on the "X" platform (formerly Twitter), explained that in response to the circulating video content in which an expatriate claimed to have been harassed by another person, the relevant authorities immediately launched the necessary investigations. These efforts resulted in identifying and arresting the suspect in record time; he was found to be an Afghan resident. The security statement confirmed that the suspect was detained and all legal procedures were taken against him, in preparation for referring him to the Public Prosecution to complete the investigations and apply the penalties prescribed by Sharia and the law.
Anti-harassment system: A legal framework to protect society
This incident highlights the firm stance taken by Saudi authorities in addressing harassment cases, based on the "Anti-Harassment Law" enacted by the Kingdom in 2018. This law aims to combat and prevent harassment, punish perpetrators, and protect victims, thereby safeguarding individual privacy, dignity, and personal freedom as guaranteed by Islamic law and applicable regulations. This law represents a significant advancement in penal legislation, ensuring a safe environment for both citizens and residents, as it imposes deterrent penalties, including imprisonment and substantial fines, on those convicted.
The role of digital media and community awareness
This incident also highlights the growing role of new media and social media platforms in exposing violations. Visual documentation has become a valuable tool for security agencies in some cases to identify perpetrators, provided it is done within legal frameworks that do not violate the privacy of others or contravene the cybercrime law. Security agencies, represented by the Public Security Directorate and the Ministry of Interior, take seriously reports received through official applications such as "Kulluna Amn" (We Are All Security) or those monitored by the Security Monitoring Center, thus reinforcing the concept of community partnership in maintaining security.
Security efficiency and speed of response
The swift arrest of the suspect reflects the high efficiency of the security services in the Riyadh region and the Kingdom in general. This rapid response to cases affecting public morals and individual safety sends a reassuring message to society, confirming that no one is above the law. Furthermore, referring the suspect to the Public Prosecution underscores the efficient course of justice, as the Public Prosecution is responsible for investigation and indictment to ensure the perpetrator receives just punishment. This serves as a deterrent to anyone who might consider engaging in such socially unacceptable and legally criminalized practices.
