Saudi Arabia has warned that spreading 'rumours' is a crime punishable by up to five years in jail, after sexual harassment claims circulated widely on social media.
The Public Prosecution has warned of fines of up to $800,000 – 10 times the maximum $80,000 fine for actual sexual harassment, a crime that also carries a maximum five-year jail term.
It stated that spreading rumours and lies about matters related to public order or inciting them or taking part in them through social media, especially those matters whose origins are from hostile parties managed
from abroad, is considered a major crime that requires arrest in line with the AntiCyber Crime Law and the Law of Criminal Procedures, a source from the Public Prosecution said.
The warning comes after allegations of sexual harassment at a Riyadh concert on Friday emerged on social media – claims which Saudi authorities said were false.
The concert was cancelled at the last minute due to heavy rain, sparking chaotic scenes in which, several social media users alleged sexual harassment of women took place.
The Saudi Public Prosecution has summoned a number of people in the kingdom for involvement in spreading lies propogated by hostile parties abroad.
“Criminal procedures are under way against such people and stringent punitive measures, including up to five years in prison and fines amounting to up to SR3 million, will be imposed on the culprits,” the source said.
The source added the penalties also include confiscation of the devices and tools used and publication of the final judgement in the local media at the expense of the convict.
&uuid=(email))