Harassers may face up to five years in prison and incur a SR500,000 fine under a new draft law that is currently being studied by the Shoura Council’s Social Affairs Committee.
The move comes in the wake of increasing cases of harassment against women at workplaces, streets and malls.
The draft law proposes that anyone found guilty of making sexual advances be punished according to its articles. However, it pointed out that specialized courts would have the right to issue alternative forms of punishment.
The law considers harassment a crime since it violates an individual’s honor. The law also covers individuals and groups involved in the crime.
“The law aims at protecting honor and prestige and preventing all types of harassment,” a Shoura official said.
Badr Almotawa, a political analyst, emphasized the significance of the law, saying it would serve as a deterrent for sexual perverts.
However, he pointed out that harassment cases in the Kingdom are fewer compared to Western countries, where one case is reported per minute on average. He attributed this to people’s adherence to Islamic values.
He said the establishment of women-only work places and institutions is one solution for preventing harassment and cited the Kingdom Tower, of which the third floor is women-only, and Princess Nora University as good examples.
Almotawa also stressed the need to punish anyone found guilty of drunk driving.
“These people, who endanger their own lives and those of their families and road users, deserve tough punishment. They have caused many road crashes in Riyadh, Jeddah and other parts of the country, killing innocent people,” he said.
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