Saudi Arabia has conducted multiple arrests linked to sex work, street begging, and human trafficking following the launch of a new enforcement unit. Over 50 arrests have primarily targeted non-Saudi nationals. The unit seeks to uphold dignity and rights under Islamic law, yet raises concerns about potential arbitrary enforcement. Analysts indicate this crackdown addresses an increase in foreign participation in sex work, while calls for clearer legislation to protect due process have emerged.
In Saudi Arabia, a series of arrests related to sex work, street begging, and human trafficking have been executed following the establishment of a new enforcement unit. The interior ministry revealed the creation of the General Department for Community Security and Combating Human Trafficking Crimes, resulting in more than 50 arrests predominantly involving non-Saudi individuals. Allegations include engaging in prostitution and exploiting minors for begging, highlighting an immediate crackdown on these issues.
In the capital, Riyadh, authorities apprehended three foreigners accused of prostitution within a hotel, while 14 Yemenis were arrested for exploiting children from their own nationality. In Jeddah, five foreign individuals were detained for immoral activities at a massage center, and additional arrests were made in al-Qassim province over sex work. The interior ministry emphasized that the unit aims to combat acts that undermine individual dignity and violate fundamental freedoms as defined by Islamic law.
However, concerns surrounding the vague definitions of morality leading to potential arbitrary arrests have been voiced. Sarah Leah Whitson from Democracy for the Arab World Now (Dawn) asserted that effective management of sex work requires clearly defined laws rather than ambiguous moral standards, which could lead to unjustified persecutions. She further noted that migrants should enjoy due process rights akin to those of Saudi citizens.
Ali Shihabi, an analyst focused on Saudi Arabia, explained that the new unit was initiated in response to an increase of foreigners partaking in sex work facilitated by more accessible visas. He observed that many women from abroad have been advertising sex services, and this crackdown responds to that trend. Street begging, he pointed out, has long been a persistent issue for authorities to address.
Khaled al-Sulaiman, a columnist, articulated that the unit’s establishment aims to address and punish immoral practices more aggressively, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s religious and cultural identity. He stated that those who engage in such acts should not anticipate leniency from the state.
Despite the broader social reforms under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 initiative, which has lessened the grip of morality enforcers, concerns about repression persist. Last year, Manahel al-Otaibi was jailed for her online expressions regarding women’s rights and wearing attire deemed inappropriate, signaling continued tensions between progressive reforms and traditional norms in the Kingdom.
In summary, Saudi Arabia’s recent crackdown on sex work and immoral acts follows the establishment of a new security unit with a broad mandate. While this action aims to address several pressing social issues, it raises concerns regarding potential violations of due process, particularly for non-Saudi individuals. The kingdom continues to navigate the balance between traditional values and modern reforms, as exemplified by ongoing arrests and societal responses to perceived immorality.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
