Best Sexual Harassment Lawyers in Al Falah

About Sexual Harassment Law in Al Falah, Saudi Arabia

Sexual harassment is a criminal offense in Saudi Arabia. Al Falah is a neighborhood within Riyadh, so cases arising in Al Falah fall under national Saudi law and are handled by Riyadh region authorities. The Anti Harassment Law, enacted in 2018, defines harassment broadly as any statement, act, or gesture with a sexual connotation that targets a person, affects dignity, or infringes modesty. It applies in public and private places, workplaces, educational institutions, and online through modern technology.

Authorities take these reports seriously. Police and the Public Prosecution investigate, and courts can impose imprisonment and fines. The law protects the confidentiality of victims and witnesses and encourages prompt reporting so that authorities can act quickly and preserve evidence.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can help you understand whether specific conduct qualifies as harassment under Saudi law, especially when the conduct is subtle, repeated, or occurs online. Legal advice is important if you are unsure whether to report, how to report, or how to protect yourself during and after the process.

Victims often need help gathering and preserving evidence, such as messages, call logs, emails, photos, CCTV footage, location data, and witness statements. A lawyer can guide you on admissible evidence and how to submit it to investigators without compromising its integrity.

In workplace cases, a lawyer can help you navigate employer policies, internal investigations, and any disciplinary steps, and can advise on anti retaliation protections. If you suffer harm, a lawyer can explain your options to request protective measures and to seek compensation through appropriate legal channels.

If you are accused of harassment, you should seek legal counsel immediately. A lawyer can protect your rights during questioning, help you respond to allegations, challenge inadmissible or unreliable evidence, and present your defense.

Local Laws Overview

Saudi Arabia’s Anti Harassment Law applies across the Kingdom, including Al Falah in Riyadh. The law prohibits any unwanted conduct with sexual connotation that affects dignity or infringes modesty. It covers in person acts and digital communications, including social media, messaging apps, email, and other electronic means.

Penalties can include imprisonment of up to 2 years and or a fine of up to 100,000 Saudi riyals. If aggravating circumstances exist, penalties can increase to imprisonment of up to 5 years and or a fine of up to 300,000 Saudi riyals. Aggravating circumstances can include harassment of a child or a person with disability, exploitation of authority at work or in education, incidents in shelters or care centers, repeated conduct, or offenses involving multiple victims. Repeat offenders can face increased penalties.

Attempted harassment, participation, or incitement to harass can also be punishable. The identities of victims and witnesses are protected, and publication of identifying information without authorization is prohibited. Making a knowingly false or malicious report can lead to criminal liability under Saudi law.

Workplace rules are reinforced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. Employers must maintain a harassment free workplace, adopt clear policies, train staff, investigate reports, and take corrective action. Serious harassment can justify termination under the Labor Law without end of service benefits, and employers who fail to act can face regulatory consequences.

Online harassment may also breach the Anti Cyber Crime Law, especially where there is defamation, invasion of privacy, or production of indecent content. Penalties under that law can include imprisonment and fines, in addition to penalties under the Anti Harassment Law when applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as sexual harassment under Saudi law

Any unwanted statement, act, or gesture with a sexual connotation that targets a person and affects dignity or infringes modesty can qualify. This includes verbal comments, lewd looks, physical contact, proposals, stalking with sexual intent, sending explicit or suggestive content, or pressuring someone for sexual favors. The context matters, including whether the person has authority over the victim.

Does the law cover harassment through messages or social media

Yes. The Anti Harassment Law covers harassment through modern technology. Harassment by text, messaging apps, email, or social media can be prosecuted. Some conduct may also violate the Anti Cyber Crime Law, for example if there is invasion of privacy, defamation, or production and distribution of indecent content.

How do I report harassment in Al Falah

In emergencies call 911 in Riyadh. You can also call 999 to reach police. You can visit the nearest police station to file a report, or use the Public Security applications that allow reporting from your phone. The police will refer the case to the Public Prosecution for investigation. If the harassment is workplace related, you can report internally to your employer and also contact the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development hotline at 19911.

What happens after I file a complaint

Police will take your statement, secure any available evidence, and refer the matter to the Public Prosecution. Prosecutors may order additional investigations, summon the suspect, and decide on detention measures. If evidence supports charges, the case proceeds to court. You may be asked to testify, and your identity is protected by law.

What evidence should I preserve

Keep screenshots of messages, call logs, emails, and social media posts, including timestamps and profile details. Save photos or videos, and note dates, times, locations, and any witnesses. Avoid editing files. If possible, download data with metadata intact. Request copies of CCTV footage promptly because many systems overwrite recordings after short cycles.

Can my employer retaliate if I report workplace harassment

Retaliation is prohibited. Employers are required to maintain a safe workplace, investigate, and take action. If you experience retaliation, document it and report it to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development at 19911 and seek legal advice. Remedies can include disciplinary measures against the retaliator and orders to correct adverse actions.

What penalties can offenders face

Penalties can include imprisonment of up to 2 years and or a fine up to 100,000 riyals. In aggravated cases, penalties can increase to imprisonment up to 5 years and or a fine up to 300,000 riyals. Repeat offenders can face higher penalties. Courts can also impose additional measures depending on the circumstances.

Can I remain anonymous when reporting

Your identity and the details of the report are protected under the law and should not be disclosed except as required by the competent authorities. Public disclosure of a victim’s identity without authorization can be punishable. When you file, ask the officer or prosecutor about confidentiality measures in your case.

Can non Saudis report harassment and get protection

Yes. The law protects everyone in the Kingdom, regardless of nationality or residency status. If you need language assistance, ask for a translator. Your employer or embassy can often help coordinate support, but reporting should be made to Saudi authorities for action.

Can the case be settled privately without involving authorities

Sexual harassment is a criminal offense. Private settlements do not prevent the state from prosecuting. Accepting money or promises in exchange for silence can undermine your rights and may be unlawful. Speak to a lawyer before considering any private arrangement.

Additional Resources

Emergency Police Riyadh 911. Police 999.

Public Prosecution offices in Riyadh Region for criminal complaints and victim support.

Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development hotline 19911 for workplace complaints and labor protections.

National Family Safety Program hotline 1919 for abuse and protection inquiries, especially where the harasser is a family member or guardian.

Human Rights Commission for victim assistance and guidance on rights.

Public Security smart reporting applications provided by the Ministry of Interior.

Saudi Bar Association directory to locate licensed lawyers in Riyadh who handle criminal and labor matters.

Next Steps

If you are in immediate danger in Al Falah, call 911. Move to a safe location and avoid confronting the harasser. Seek medical care if needed and tell the provider that the visit is related to harassment so notes are made for potential evidence.

Document what happened. Write down dates, times, locations, and what was said or done. Save any messages, photos, or videos. Identify possible witnesses. Ask nearby businesses or property managers about CCTV footage and request preservation.

File a report with the police as soon as possible. Bring your evidence and a valid ID. If the harassment occurred at work or school, also notify the relevant internal authority and request an official investigation while you proceed with the police report.

Consult a lawyer early. A lawyer can guide your communications, attend interviews, and request protective measures. Ask about compensation options, how to submit a private right claim for damages, and how to minimize exposure to counter allegations.

If you are an employer dealing with a report from Al Falah, activate your anti harassment policy, protect the reporter from retaliation, secure evidence such as access logs and CCTV, separate the parties if needed, conduct a prompt and impartial investigation, and consult legal counsel on disciplinary action and regulatory reporting duties.

Keep records of all steps you take. Follow up with investigators and ask for your case or complaint reference number. If your circumstances change or you face threats or retaliation, update the authorities immediately.

This guide is general information. Laws and procedures can change. For advice about your specific situation in Al Falah or greater Riyadh, consult a licensed Saudi lawyer experienced in harassment cases.