Saudi Arabia’s Crackdown on Sex Work and Immoral Acts Prompts Mixed Reactions

Saudi Arabia has arrested over 50 individuals linked to sex work, begging, and human trafficking following the launch of a new unit addressing these issues. The unit focuses on non-Saudi nationals and aims to uphold moral standards as defined by Sharia law. Concerns have been raised about the broad authority of the unit, with calls for clearer laws to prevent arbitrary arrests.

Saudi Arabia has conducted a series of arrests related to sex work, street begging, and human trafficking after establishing a new specialized unit tasked with addressing these issues. The recently founded General Department for Community Security and Combating Human Trafficking Crimes is focused primarily on non-Saudi individuals, with over 50 arrests reported to date. Notably, among the arrests were three foreigners in Riyadh accused of prostitution and 14 Yemenis exploiting children for begging.

In Jeddah, police apprehended five foreigners for alleged immoral activities at a massage and relaxation center, while in al-Qassim, a man and two women faced sex work charges. The interior ministry emphasized that the unit’s purpose is to combat actions degrading personal rights and freedoms as per Sharia law.

However, concerns have arisen regarding the potential for arbitrary arrests under the broad mandates of this new unit. Sarah Leah Whitson from Democracy for the Arab World Now expressed that policing should rely on clearly defined laws rather than vague moral standards that could facilitate persecution. She affirmed the need for due process for foreigners and migrant workers, emphasizing the importance of judicial oversight in arrest proceedings.

Ali Shihabi, a commentator, noted that the establishment of this unit responds to increasing instances of foreigners engaging in sex work, which he attributes to more accessible visa policies. He added that efforts against street begging have been ongoing for years, indicating a long-standing challenge for authorities. Further, columnist Khaled al-Sulaiman stressed in the Okaz newspaper that the new unit aims to prevent crimes of immorality and prostitution from proliferating, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s religious and societal values.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has enacted various social reforms under his Vision 2030 initiative, reducing the influences of the once-dominant morality police. Nonetheless, the state has continued to pursue strict actions against individuals like Manahel al-Otaibi, who was imprisoned because of her views on women’s rights and alleged indecency in her attire.

In summary, Saudi Arabia’s recent crackdown on sex work and related crimes signifies a stringent approach towards morality and societal standards. The newly formed unit for community security has led to numerous arrests, particularly focused on non-Saudi nationals. Nevertheless, the potential for arbitrary arrests remains a concern, prompting calls for a more defined legal framework. Overall, this initiative reflects both the complexities of enforcing social norms and the ongoing social reforms within the kingdom, guided by the Vision 2030 strategy.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net