Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry has announced penalties for those who violate the anti-Coronavirus measures in the Kingdom. Those who violate the measures by spreading rumours on social media or publishing false information to cause panic or incite violations of the measures will be fined up to one million Riyals and jailed for up to five years. A Royal Decree to this effect has been issued and the penalties will be imposed on expatriates and nationals. Under the Royal Decree, individuals or private sector establishments, their employees or those dealing with it who violate the anti-Coronavirus measures will be fined between 1,000 and 100,000 Riyals and/or jailed for between a month and a year. The institution will be closed down for up to six months if necessary. Repeat offenders will have the penalties doubled. The Interior Minister will agree a violation classification schedule with the Health Minister and the corresponding penalty. Those who misuse movement permits or permission letters will be fined between 10,000 and 100,000 Riyals and.or jailed for between a month and a year. They will also have their permit withdrawn and the permission letter will be revoked. People who violate the isolation rules will be fined 200,000 Riyals and/or jailed for up to two years. The penalties will be doubled for repeat offenders. Those who deliberately infect others will be fined up to 500,000 Riyals and/or jailed for up to five years. The penalties will be doubled for repeat offenders. Anyone who facilitates those whose nature of work or circumstances do not require obtaining a permit or permission letter for movement during the lock down will be fined between 10,000 and 10,000 Riyals and/or jailed for between a month and a year. The penalties will be doubled for repeat offenders. Any expatriates who commit any of these violations will be deported from the Kingdom and never allowed to re-enter the country. In addition to the penalties under the new Royal Decree, penalties in other legislation, including Sharia legislation, could be imposed, The penalties will be imposed under a Ministerial Decision from the Interior Ministry or anyone authorised by them. The number of penalties imposed in each region will be announced daily. Anyone who is jailed will be referred to the Public Prosecution. The Justice Minister will form a committee or committees made up of three legal experts to examine grievances against decisions to impose fines or close institutions. Grievances will have to be filed within 10 days of receiving information about the decision and the committee’s decision will be final. These decisions will not be allowed to be appealed. Jail terms for violators will be handed down once the Kingdom has brought Coronavirus under control. A regulation to prevent gatherings will be issued separately and anyone who violates the regulation will be fined between 1,000 and 100,000 Riyals and/or jailed for between a month and a year. Full story
