Saudi religious police could face 10 years for assault
Officers involved in alleged assault on British expat and his Saudi wife also face 20,000-riyal fine
The members of the Saudi religious police, known formally as the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, who allegedly assaulted a British expatriate and his Saudi wife in Riyadh in late August may face up to 10 years in prison and a 20,000-riyal ($5,330) fine, according to lawyer Muhammad al-Jathlani.
The British expat can bring legal action against his assailants, said Jathlani, adding that the Abuse of Power Crime Law states any government official who abuses his power or coerces a person will face up to 10 years in prison or a fine of SR20,000 if convicted.
In contrast, Yousif al-Jabar, a former judge, said the religious police officers have the right to file a lawsuit against the victim if they were subjected to any moral or verbal abuse.
Also Read
-
‘They can fly!’ Saudis mock religious police after attack on Briton
Photos and a video of the incident were widely shared on the internet, attracting the attention of several tweeps in Saudi Arabia Digital -
Video: Briton, Saudi wife beaten up by religious police
A short video went viral Sunday morning in the social networking websites Middle East
