A Saudi lawyer, Majed Qaroub, warned anyone involved in pranks will be punished according to the law, reminding that the minimum penalty for pranks is 500,000 riyals or more and 6 months of imprisonment.
During an interview, broadcasted on Saudi channel, while speaking on the occurrence of pranks on social media platforms and sites, Qaroub said that attempting to commit a crime is a crime, helping to commit a crime is also a crime, as well as any facilitation in committing violations.
As he explained, the Public Prosecution is an investigative and prosecutorial body that usually demands maximum penalties for violations, while the judiciary determines the punishments. It includes a jail term of up to 2 and 3 years as well as a fine of millions of riyals, depending on the nature of the offense.
According to Qaroub, the minimum penalty in all cases is 500,000 riyals or more and 6 months' imprisonment. Our assumption and expectation is that these penalties will deter anyone who misuses social media.
According to the lawyer, the law applies to everyone, including those below the legal age of 18. Unfortunately, most of those appearing on social media are young and juvenile.
Due to their age, juveniles receive special treatment in the law, however that does not exempt them from penalties, imprisonment, arrest, and interrogation, which are conducted according to certain procedures that are specific to juveniles.
According to a psychiatrist, Dr. Jamal Al-Tuwairqi, some pranks may cause psychological damage to a person and even cause a heart attack.
As the consultant further explained, some pranks may cause a person's phobia due to a prank or a situation that may not be overcome, even if it is good news, presenting it in a sudden manner may cause a fainting state for some. After seeing his father wearing a scary mask, a child lost his speech due to a prank.
SOURCE : SAUDI EXPATRIATES
