Anti-Harassment

The legislator places great importance on protecting individual dignity and privacy and ensuring personal freedom in light of the provisions of Islamic Sharia. In this context, the Anti-Harassment Law was issued to represent a significant legislative shift in criminalizing actions and behaviors that violate modesty and human dignity.

• Definition of Harassment According to the Law:

Any statement, action, or gesture of a sexual nature, made by a person towards another, that touches their body, honor, or offends their modesty by any means, including modern technology.

This includes actions committed in person or through communication methods, including text messages and electronic applications.

• Objectives of the Law:

- Combating the crime of harassment in all its forms.

- Preventing its occurrence.

- Imposing deterrent penalties on perpetrators.

- Protecting the victim, ensuring the preservation of their dignity and personal rights.

• Duty to Report and Social Responsibility:

- Waiving by the victim or their failure to file a complaint does not prevent the authorities from taking necessary action against the harasser.

- Anyone who witnesses a case of harassment has a duty to report it to the competent authorities for the public interest.

• Penalties Stipulated in the Law:

- Imprisonment for up to two years and a fine not exceeding 100,000 SAR, or one of these penalties, for anyone who commits harassment.

- In cases of repeat offenses or aggravating circumstances, such as if the victim is a child, a person with special needs, unconscious, or the crime occurred in a workplace, educational setting, or during crises and disasters, the penalty increases to imprisonment for up to five years and a fine up to 300,000 SAR.

- The court may publish a summary of the judgment at the convict’s expense once it becomes final.

- Incitement, attempts, and malicious reporting

• Examples of Acts Considered Harassment Under the Law:

• Physical Acts

- Intentional touching without consent, such as touching the hand, shoulder, or any part of the body.

- Unjustified physical proximity in a sexually suggestive manner.

- Physical harassment in elevators, offices, or public facilities with the intent to touch or pressure the other person.

• Words and Comments

- Making sexually suggestive remarks towards a person, whether through inappropriate admiration or explicit hints.

- Commenting on physical appearance in an inappropriate or suggestive manner.

- Making sexual jokes or obscene remarks in the presence of the other party.

• Gestures and Behaviors

- Winking or gesturing in a sexually suggestive way.

- Repeatedly staring or gazing inappropriately at someone’s body.

- Hand or body gestures that suggest sexual meaning.

• Harassment Through Technology

- Sending sexually explicit text messages or images without the other person’s consent.

- Repeated calls or messages despite rejection or lack of response.

- Requesting personal photos or sending indecent materials via phone or social media.

• Exploiting Authority or Environment

- Exploiting a job position or supervisory role to harass an employee or trainee.

- Exploiting students by teachers or officials through sexual hints or pressure.

• In Conclusion:

The Anti-Harassment Law is a serious legislative step toward protecting society and promoting an environment of mutual respect, whether in public, private, work, or educational settings.

The law emphasizes that human dignity is inviolable and that justice does not overlook any act that violates modesty or exceeds the bounds of decency and respect.

The Anti-Harassment Law is not just legal text, but a social commitment and civilized behavior that enhances the safety of individuals and the security of society.