The police in Taif city of Mecca province of Saudi Arabia arrested a woman for hugging a male singer during a live concert on Friday. As per Saudi law, women are prohibited from mixing in public men who are not related to them.
The incident took place during the festival in the western city of Taif where singer Majid al-Mohandi was performing at the stage. While his performance was going on, a woman ran onto the stage and hugged him. However, soon security personnel attempted to pull her off him. A video of the incident was posted online:
The woman is now arrested by the police and has been referred to the public prosecutor to face charges under the law criminalizing harassment, reported BBC. “The harasser will face two years in prison and a fine of up to 1,00,000 riyals,” lawyer Abdul Karim al-Qadi told Okaz.
“The suspect is held at the Al-Taif Foundation for Women’s Care pending investigation,” the Mecca police official spokesman said.
After the incident, the Iraqi-born singer continued to perform. Saudi Arabia earlier allowed women to attend concerts and football matches for the first time and the Kingdom also hosted its first concert by a female singer, Lebanese star Hiba Tawaji, in December last year. Women were also allowed to drive from last month.
With inputs from IANS
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