JEDDAH: A new draft legislation outlawing harassment was approved on Monday by the Saudi Shoura Council.
Anyone convicted under the new law faces up to five years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to SR300,000 (around $80,000).
The new draft law “aims to combat the crime of harassment, prevent its occurrence, punish the perpetrators and protect the victims, in order to preserve the privacy, dignity and personal freedom of individuals guaranteed by the provisions of Islamic law and regulations.”
“I believe this law to be of extreme importance,” Shoura member Hoda Al-Helaissi told Arab News.
While the law protects people of both sexes, it has particular relevance to the end next month of the de facto ban on female drivers, Al-Helaissi said.
“The timing is important. Driving, although probably the main reason for it, is not the only one.
“Any comprehensive society needs a law such as this one to protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of gender.”
There would be amendments to the law in the near future “to make it more complete and up to the standards required by our society,” she said.
Latifah Al-Shaalan, another Shoura member, said on social media: “The anti-harassment law approved today is a very important addition to the history of the Kingdom’s law and regulation, which fills a large legislative vacuum. It is a deterrent law compared to a number of other laws in other countries.”
Al-Shaalan said she had proposed a number of additional articles for the law regarding the protection of witnesses and of the identity of those who report such incidents, the provision of social and psychological support to the victims of harassment, and raising awareness of the provisions of the law. Anyone who witnessed an instance of harassment should be required by law to report it, she said.
Leading lawyer Dimah Alsharif told Arab News the new law was “a qualitative leap” in combating sexual harassment in the Kingdom. “Not only for women, but for all genders of different ages and in different situations,” she said.
The end of the driving ban gave attention to the issue of potential harassment “a boost,” she said, and the new law would help by “imposing clear and specific clauses to match the driving aspects and to assure people’s freedom in practicing this right.”
Rawan Al-Jabri, 26, a Saudi national, said: “This is not a privilege as much as a basic right for all women. Taking disciplinary measures against those who harass women, and even men, will definitely lower the harassment rate and hopefully put an end to it all together.”
Speaking as a woman who had faced harassment, Al-Jabri said she was thrilled by the new law. “With women starting to drive, this law is extremely necessary.”
In September 2017, a royal decree announced the end of the decades-long ban on women driving, which will be effective from June 24.
Saudi Shoura Council approves new law against harassment
Saudi Shoura Council approves new law against harassment
- Any comprehensive society needs a law such as this one to protect the rights of all citizens
- Anyone who witnessed an instance of harassment should be required by law to report it
Australian deputy PM highlights Saudi Arabia’s strategic importance during visit
DUABI: Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Richard Donald Marles underlined the importance of Saudi Arabia as a key partner for Australia, highlighting its position as the country’s second-largest trading partner in the Middle East.
In a statement issued by his office on Thursday, Marles said his visit to Saudi Arabia is focused on enhancing cooperation within the G20 framework and other multilateral institutions, as well as reaffirming Australia’s commitment to a rules-based global order.
Marles described Saudi Arabia as a pivotal partner in addressing shared global challenges, emphasizing the significance of deepening economic and diplomatic ties. He added that the visit offers an opportunity to explore new avenues for collaboration and strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
KSrelief’s humanitarian works benefit individuals from Yemen, Ukraine and Sudan
RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center’s (KSrelief) humanitarian projects in Yemen, Ukraine and Sudan continue to benefit individuals needing medical and therapeutic intervention.
In Yemen, KSrelief provided services through the Prosthetic and Rehabilitation Center in Aden to 562 patients in November as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare sector and help individuals who require prostheses.
The center also delivered 1,395 services, including the manufacturing, fitting, and rehabilitation of prosthetic limbs, along with physical therapy and specialized consultations.
Also in Aden, a team of medical volunteers undertook an adult urology surgery campaign from Dec. 15 to 22, with the nine specialists performing 15 procedures on patients. The project was implemented in collaboration with the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen
In Rzeszow, Poland, KSrelief volunteers fitted prosthetic limbs for 32 Ukrainian refugees between Dec. 8 to 15.
In Sudan’s Port Sudan, volunteers from KSrelief ran a pediatric surgical program and has successfully examined 15 children and performed seven successful surgeries so far.
‘Common Ground’ festival celebrates Saudi Arabia and Iraq cultures
- Art, music and folklore to feature at Riyadh event until Dec. 31
- Over 100 works from Iraqi and Saudi artists will be on display
RIYADH: The Kingdom launched the second “Common Ground” festival on Wednesday to celebrate the rich cultures of Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
Organized by the Culture Ministry, “Common Ground” features a variety of activities including art, music and folklore.
The ministry invited residents to “explore and celebrate Iraqi culture and the historical and cultural bonds between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Iraq through art, music, storytelling and more.”
The festival, which runs until Dec. 31, is being held at Mega Studio in Riyadh’s Boulevard City.
The event includes a tribute to writer Kareem Al-Iraqi, who died last year, for his contribution to art and literature, which includes novels, plays, songs and screenplays.
The opening night featured songs by renowned Iraqi singer-songwriter Kadim Al-Sahir. And Thursday will have several seminars led by heritage experts.
There will also be over 100 works from Iraqi and Saudi artists on display at the festival.
Meanwhile, in AlUla on Wednesday, Iraq’s Prime Minister Shia Al-Sudani was welcomed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for discussions on regional events.
Saudi aid agency KSrelief launches pediatric surgical program in war-ravaged Sudan
- Medical team assesses 15 children and carries out 7 successful operations during first few days of the project, which is staffed by volunteers
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief this week launched a volunteer pediatric surgical program in the Sudanese city of Port Sudan.
By Wednesday, the medical team had assessed 15 children and carried out seven successful surgeries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Sudan is locked in a civil war between two rival factions of the country’s military government that began in April 2023. It has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced about 12 million people.
The conflict has also had a devastating effect on healthcare, with more than two-thirds of major hospitals in out of service, according to the World Health Organization.
Riyadh governor receives newly appointed Palestinian envoy
Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Palestine to the Kingdom Mazen Ghoneim in Riyadh on Wednesday.
During the meeting, they discussed various topics of common interest, and Prince Faisal wished the ambassador success in his new duties, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Meanwhile, on the same day, Baha Gov. Prince Hussam bin Saud bin Abdulaziz met with Ambassaor of India to the Kingdom Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan to discuss topics of mutual interest.