Article 1 of the Saudi Anti-Harassment Law

This article sets the definition on which all the provisions of the Anti-Harassment Law are built; an act is not a crime of harassment under this law unless this description applies to it.

The definition rests on several elements:

• The form of the conduct: it may be a word (speech or a comment), an act, or merely a gesture; the text does not require physical contact.
• The sexual connotation: the conduct must carry a sexual meaning, and this is what distinguishes harassment from other forms of abuse.
• Coming from a person toward any other person: the text is general, so it does not limit the crime to a particular sex or a particular relationship between the two parties.
• The effect: that the conduct touches the person's body or honor, or offends their modesty.
• The means: any means, and the text expressly mentions modern technology means, so messages, comments, and pictures sent by mobile phone or the Internet fall within the definition if the other elements are met.

This definition is linked to Article 2, which explains that the law aims to combat this crime, prevent its occurrence, punish those who commit it, and protect the victim, in order to safeguard the individual's privacy, dignity, and personal freedom.

Assessing whether particular conduct falls under the definition is for the competent authorities according to the facts of each case, and anyone facing a situation of this kind can consult a lawyer specializing in criminal cases.