JEDDAH: The Ministry of Culture and Information has warned that writers who abuse or try to insult Saudi women or citizens will face legal action for defamation.
The warning was issued in a tweet on the official account of the ministry by its spokesperson following the publication of an article in a magazine and the circulation of an audio clip in social media.
Turki Al-Awad, a writer, has been accused of inappropriately describing Saudi women in his article in a sports magazine. The issue went viral on social media, with most people slamming the writer.
According to reports, Al-Awad wrote: “We want educated mothers, not those afflicted by obesity or drugs.”
The author’s comment on the appointment of a female undersecretary for the Saudi Sports Authority that “she is facing the mission impossible” also received condemnation on a social site.
A voice recording with inappropriate remarks against Saudi women, purportedly by activist Rawdah Al-Yusuf, also kicked up a storm on social media. The activist has, however, denied that it is her voice, and lodged a complaint with the appropriate authorities, saying that whoever circulated the “false” audio clip should be brought to justice.
Govt warns writers
