Security authorities in Makkah have arrested a man accused of harassing visitors and causing panic in public areas. Following reports of alarming behavior that disturbed individuals in the vicinity, Saudi security forces took immediate action to apprehend the suspect. While authorities confirmed the arrest, further specific details regarding the incident have not been disclosed.

The arrest highlights Saudi Arabia’s continued strict enforcement of its Anti-Harassment Law, which criminalizes unwelcome sexual statements, acts, or gestures—including those carried out digitally. Under the legislation introduced in 2018 to create safer public spaces, offenders face up to two years in prison and fines of SAR 100,000. In aggravated or repeat cases, penalties can escalate to a five-year prison term and a SAR 300,000 fine. Recent amendments to the law also grant courts the authority to publicly name convicted individuals in local newspapers, depending on the severity of the crime.