Saudi Arabia has launched a crackdown on sex work, human trafficking, and street begging, resulting in over 50 arrests primarily of non-Saudi nationals. The new General Department for Community Security aims to uphold personal rights and dignity but faces criticism regarding the potential for arbitrary arrests. Stakeholders urge for clearly defined legal processes amid ongoing social reforms under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Recently, Saudi Arabia has initiated a series of arrests linked to sex work, street begging, and human trafficking, following the establishment of the General Department for Community Security and Combating Human Trafficking Crimes by the interior ministry. More than 50 individuals have been apprehended, primarily targeting non-Saudi nationals. Several arrests included three foreigners accused of prostitution in a Riyadh hotel and 14 Yemenis arrested for exploiting children in begging activities.
In Jeddah, authorities detained five foreigners for partaking in “immoral acts” at a massage and relaxation center, while a man and two women were arrested in al-Qassim province on charges related to sex work. The newly formed unit aims to combat crimes that infringe upon personal rights and affront individual dignity, according to the interior ministry.
Sarah Leah Whitson, executive director of Democracy for the Arab World Now, expressed concern about the potential for arbitrary arrests due to the broad scope of the unit’s mandate. “The right way to police human trafficking or sex work is with clearly defined laws that narrowly proscribe conduct,” she commented, emphasizing the necessity of due process for all individuals, regardless of their citizenship.
Commentator Ali Shihabi noted that the unit was created in response to an increase in foreigners involved in sex work, attributed to improved visa access. He acknowledged that street begging has been a longstanding issue for authorities. Columnist Khaled al-Sulaiman supported the unit, insisting that immoral activities must not go unpunished to maintain the integrity of Saudi society as a destination for Muslims.
Despite reforms under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that have lessened the influence of strict morality police, cases like the 2022 imprisonment of Manahel al-Otaibi, who faced repercussions for her views on women’s rights, illustrate the ongoing tension between modernization and traditional values.
In summary, the Saudi Arabian government has intensified enforcement against sex work and related activities through the new unit targeting crimes undermining personal rights and dignity. While some stakeholders advocate for clearer legal definitions and due processes, the government aims to rid the nation of perceived immoral practices. The implications of these actions are significant in the context of ongoing social reforms and the evolving societal landscape in Saudi Arabia.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
