RIYADH, August 14th, 2017 – The newly-established Department of Public Prosecution in Saudi Arabia will now have the powers to charge offenders who are accused of spreading hate speech, creating social conflict and threatening peace and security through social media channels such as Twitter.
Attorney General Sheikh Saud Al-Mujab has announced that a number of individuals have already been summoned to appear before the Department of Public Prosecution, to respond to charges of publicizing hate speech, inciting violence and oppressing minorities on social media.
A spokesman for the DPP said: “Under no circumstances will the attempt to sow social discord and foment sectarian violence be permitted in Saudi Arabia. We have zero tolerance for individuals who use terrorist rhetoric to harm others, and those deliberately targeting innocent people who disagree with their views. We are committed to ensuring that Saudi Arabia is an inclusive nation, placing the highest value on peace and coexistence amongst all elements of society.”
In a further crackdown on hate speech, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture and Information has also referred Islamic preacher Dr Ali Al Rabieei to the Copyright Infractions Committee for violating the press and publications law.
Saudi Arabia’s crackdown on hate speech is in line with similar actions taken by the governments of Germany, the United Kingdom, France and other countries around the world.
