Saudi Arabia Threatens Spreaders Of Gossip On Social Media With Threats Of 5 Years In Prison And A Fine Of IDR 11.4 Billion

Illustration. (Unsplash/Rami Al-zayat)

JAKARTA - Saudi Arabia has warned that spreading gossip is a crime punishable by up to five years in prison, after claims of sexual harassment went viral on social media.

"Publishing or contributing in any way to rumors and lies through social media, about matters affecting public order is a serious crime," read a statement from the prosecutor's office, citing The Manila Times from AFP on January 21.

The announcement also warns of a fine of up to 3.000.000 riyals or USD 800.000, approximately IDR 11.444.600.000, 10 times the maximum fine of USD 80.000 or IDR 1.144.872.000 for sexual harassment, a crime which also carries a maximum prison sentence of five years.

The warning comes after allegations of sexual harassment at a Riyadh concert recently surfaced on social media, claims Saudi Arabian authorities say are false.

The concert was canceled at the last minute due to heavy rains, sparking chaotic scenes in which, some social media users alleged, the sexual harassment of women took place.

To note, Saudi Arabia only started punishing sexual harassment in 2018 when the kingdom embarked on broad social reforms.

The prosecutor's office, which did not elaborate on the contents of the 'rumor' but said it was 'baseless', warned spreading false stories in itself was a crime.

Several people have been called in for questioning for allegedly spreading rumors online, the statement said.