With an iron fist, the security forces cracked down on those who tampered with the joy of National Day, as the Kingdom witnessed overwhelming joy throughout the day, engulfing everyone: men, women, children, young and old. An atmosphere of happiness spread throughout the day, which is no surprise, as this is a day of pride and glory, a day of stability, security, prosperity, and flourishing.
Citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia live in a unique national unity that has instilled in their souls a set of values that aim to preserve the gains of our great nation. The pillars of this state were founded on adherence to Islamic Sharia. However, the danger does not lie in the deviant individual behaviors that occur on Saudi National Day. Such actions are strictly dealt with by legal personnel and punished by the competent authorities, whether they fall under the law of harassment, public decency, or traffic violations. However, the real danger lies in those who attempt to exploit such behaviors to kill the joy of the nation, sometimes by inciting and at other times by frustrating. This necessitates an iron fist against anyone who spoils the nation's joy as a deterrent to other mischief-makers. This is what the security services have announced in statements issued to every violator.
Arresting violators on National Day
Tabuk Region Police announced the arrest of two men and a woman for violating public morals in a circulated video. They were detained, legal action was taken against them, and they were referred to the Public Prosecution.
In the same context, the police in Al-Ahsa Governorate in the Eastern Province arrested a man and four women for violating public morals in a circulated video. Public Security stated that they were detained, legal action was taken against them, and they were referred to the Public Prosecution.
Security expert: Adherence to public decency demonstrates civility
Security expert, retired Major General Salem Al-Mutairi, stressed the importance of adhering to public decorum during national celebrations, which reflects a positive image of society and demonstrates its civility and respect for public values and morals.
Al-Mutairi said: "Commitment to public decency reflects a respectable image of the nation and its people, and enhances feelings of unity and belonging. Individuals' adherence to the rules of civilized behavior expresses their pride in their nation and their respect for its traditions and values, which contributes to building a positive image of Saudi society worldwide."
He stressed the need to maintain public order and adhere to common decency, which will help organize celebrations in a manner that enhances everyone's safety. He also emphasized the importance of avoiding inappropriate behavior, such as using snow blowers, blocking roads, using offensive language, or wearing inappropriate clothing, which could spoil the festive atmosphere.
Major General Al-Mutairi highlighted the importance of respecting public decency, which includes refraining from behaviors that could pose a danger to others, such as reckless driving, random gatherings, driving against traffic, parking incorrectly, and not stopping at traffic lights. National celebrations are an opportunity to promote the values of respect and tolerance among members of society.
Public Prosecution: Imprisonment and fines for those who insult the flag
The Public Prosecution clarified the penalty for anyone who insults the national flag, the royal flag, or any other emblem of the Kingdom, confirming that violators will be punished by imprisonment for a period of up to one year and a fine of up to 3,000 riyals, or by one of these two penalties.
She explained that these penalties apply to anyone who drops, destroys, or insults flags in any way, out of hatred or contempt for the government's authority, whether publicly, in a public place, or in a place open to the public.
She reiterated that the national flag or the King's flag may not touch the ground or water surfaces. It is also prohibited to use the national flag as a trademark, for commercial advertising purposes, or for any purpose other than that stipulated in the law.
The Public Prosecution affirmed that the Public Taste Regulations require respect for public places and their visitors and refraining from engaging in inappropriate behavior.
She pointed out that anyone who commits a word or act in a public place that harms or injures its users, or leads to their fear or exposure to danger, will be punished with a fine of five thousand riyals.
She noted that the fine will be doubled if any of the violations included in the regulations are repeated in public places.
Legal: Violations of morals are punishable by disciplinary penalties.
Lawyer and legal advisor Majed Al-Ahmari warned that violating public order, religious values, or public morals warrants a punishment determined by a judge based on the severity of the violation. He added that any act that constitutes a violation of Islamic values or Saudi customs and traditions in public facilities or on public roads constitutes a violation of public conduct and taste, for which the law holds the perpetrator accountable, and the perpetrator is referred to the appropriate authorities.
He warned against violating the etiquette and conduct of National Day celebrations. Prominent among these violations are prohibitions on using the Saudi flag or engaging in any form of harassment or molestation of pedestrians, road users, or users of public facilities, or occupying seats or facilities used by the elderly or people with special needs, or throwing waste, garbage, or similar objects on the road or in any public facility.
He pointed out that violations that some people do not pay attention to include wearing indecent clothing in a public place, or wearing clothing that bears images, shapes, symbols, or phrases that offend public taste, such as those worn by some people with animal faces or inappropriate clothing, which are violations of public taste, in addition to using spray guns.
He said: "Among the violations committed by some people is filming people directly without their permission and posting the footage on social media platforms. Violating people's privacy by filming in public places is a crime punishable by law. The person filmed, in particular, has the right to file a report with the police. Once the incident is verified, and if proven, the violator will be referred to the Public Prosecution and then to the judiciary."
Al-Ahmari emphasized that National Day violations include gatherings and intentionally blocking roads by celebrants, which obstructs traffic, creates traffic chaos, and inconveniences other road users. Such behavior is punishable by immediate fines and vehicle impoundment. Such behavior is considered a violation of traffic laws and poses a threat to public safety.
Fines 500-900 riyals
Al-Ahmari added: “Violations include reckless driving, showing off, and any modification to a vehicle without obtaining the necessary permits, such as changing its color to green to celebrate National Day or adding unauthorized stickers and logos, which is a clear violation. In addition, covering or removing vehicle identification plates is punishable by law, as it aims to conceal the vehicle’s identity and evade security surveillance. Violations include fines ranging from 500 to 900 riyals and impounding the vehicle until the violation is removed.”
Al-Ahmari explained that on National Day, it is prohibited to tint windows, or to darken the side or rear windows more than the permitted percentage, in order to preserve driver safety and ensure clear vision. It is also prohibited to overload the vehicle with passengers, or allow passengers to exit through the windows or sunroof. It is also prohibited to stand or sit on the roof, front, rear, or windows of the vehicle, to avoid serious accidents.
Traffic: No leniency in enforcing regulations
The General Traffic Department announced zero tolerance for any traffic violations or illegal behavior during National Day celebrations. It warned against violations related to changing the appearance of vehicles, such as painting vehicles in unapproved colors or completely covering them with flags or images, which could obstruct drivers' vision inside the vehicle.
She warned of the dangers of removing vehicle license plates and replacing them with National Day slogans or writing, as well as playing loud music at high volume while driving or gathering in areas not designated for that purpose.
The General Traffic Department confirmed that making any modification or addition to a vehicle's body or chassis, altering its features or basic equipment without obtaining a legal permit, is considered a traffic violation punishable by a fine ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 riyals. The offending vehicle may also be impounded until the illegal modifications are removed.
The competent authorities confront abnormal behaviors.
Punishing exploiters and deterring those who spoil the nation's joy
The law holds accountable those who violate public behavior and taste.
Imprisonment and fines await violators
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