Saudi Arabia’s response to practical jokes

Saudi Arabian legal counsel on the minimum punishment for carrying out, taking part in, and publishing practical jokes

Majed Qaroub, a Saudi lawyer, issued a warning that anyone who assisted or took part in publishing jokes will be prosecuted in accordance with the law, noting that the minimum punishment for jokes is 500,000 Riyals or more and/or a 6-month or longer sentence in prison.

Regarding the prevalence of practical jokes on social media platforms and sites, Qaroub stated in an interview that trying to commit a crime is illegal, as is aiding in the commission of a crime, as well as any facilitation of violating the law.

He went on to say that the judiciary sets the punishments and that the public prosecution, which conducts investigations and brings charges, typically calls for the imposition of the harshest sanctions possible. This is highlighted by the fact that, depending on the infraction and its description, it may result in a jail term of up to 2 and 3 years and a fine of millions of riyals.

The minimum punishment in all circumstances, according to Qaroub, is 500,000 riyals or more, as well as a minimum of six months in jail. These are the punishments that we anticipate will dissuade anyone from abusing social media in any way.

• The lawyer verified that the law applies to everyone when discussing dealing with prank owners who are under the age of 18, but regrettably, the majority of individuals who appear on social media are young and juveniles.
• Juveniles receive special treatment under the law since they are under the age of majority, but this does not exempt them from punishments, jail, arrest, or questioning, which are all done according to specific protocols that take into consideration that they are young and juveniles.