Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The first article of the protection from abuse law has sparked a heated argument between legal experts and human rights advocates, Al-Watan newspaper reported. The article does not specifically state that harassment is a type of abuse, which necessitates its amendment or issuing a new law to deter harassers. Spokesman for the Human Rights Commission (HRC) Ibrahim Al-Sheddi said that the protection from abuse law is a good start as the law deals with any abuse women and children may be subjected to, including harassment. “The HRC will continue to monitor and follow up the publishing of the executive procedures of the law and its implementation. If the HRC finds that a more clear legislation is needed, it will coordinate with the ministries of interior and social affairs to suggest such legislation,” he said while adding that the law is subject to ratification if necessary but it will be implemented in its current form. The head of the National Society for Human Rights (NSHR), Mefleh Al-Qahtani, said the law regulates the relationship and contractual agreements at the work place and of criminal incidents. He added that the law covers sexual harassment but the executive procedures cannot cover all harassment cases. As such, there is a need for a separate law to deal with harassment cases. “If harassment is in the form of abuse, then it is covered by the law but other forms of harassment are not covered and separate laws are needed to cover them,” he said. The head of social services at the family safety program, Noorah Al-Suwayan, said harassment does exist and preventive measures are needed if it becomes a trend. She stressed that the law should cover harassment in public places and at work and protect women. Hamdah Al-Enezi, member of the social affairs and families committee at the Shoura Council, criticized the law for confining harassment to those who have authority or power and not strangers. “The law should be inclusive to do away with harassment in public places such as shopping malls,” he said.
