A conservative member of the public has filed the lawsuit with the Prosecution and Investigation Commission (PIC) in the Asir province.

“I have no comment. I have only read about this issue online. You can go and ask the organization with which the complaint was filed,” said Abdul Rahman Al-Hazza'a, assistant undersecretary at the Ministry of Culture and Information, and chairman of the Committee on Press Violations.

Many Internet sites and forums have circulated the text of the complaint against the ministry. In his complaint, the man  who said he is only seeking reward from Allah -- has also accused a number of writers and media personalities of making sacrilegious comments and speaking ill of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

He has also provided proof in the form of video clips and newspaper and magazine clippings to support his claims. These TV channels and publications are said to belong to or are affiliated with the ministry and are being accused of advocating the mixing of the genders and the unveiling of women, and of mocking religious symbols. The man has also named a number of well-known male and female journalists, writers and media figures.

In his complaint, the man called on the PIC to accept and consider his complaint under a Royal Decree issued in 1427H (2005) that gives citizens the right to file complaints with the body.

The decree also gives the commission the right to accept or reject complaints.