JEDDAH: The Ministry of Justice has made the exploitation of women and children a criminal offense, conviction for which will attract a jail term of up to 15 years and a fine of up to SR7 million.
The penalty also applies to individuals who carry out such crimes as part of an organized gang and to government employees who abuse their position.
Such individuals will be tried under the relevant anti-money laundering regulations and the Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution will study such cases before they are brought to court.
General courts in six different regions reviewed during 1435-1436 AH a number of cases in which women and children were exploited by being forced to beg and bring money to people who used them. One hundred and twenty-six such cases were reported and various sentences were delivered, including jail terms and fines.
Lawyer Abdullah Al-Abilan said the exploitation of women and minors falls under human trafficking cases in courts, and the Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution investigates such crimes, as well as seeking to shelter victims of such crimes, before ensuring that judicial rulings are properly executed.
He said the law says that using, transporting or sheltering any person for the purpose of exploitation falls under the crime of human trafficking, and commensurate penalties are meted out as per Article 2 of the legislation.
Trading in persons, coercing them into forced labor, or abusing or forcing them to beg for money are all such crimes, and are punishable by a jail term of up to 15 years or a fine of up to SR1 million or both. Sentences vary based on the case and on whether the crime was committed as part of an organized group, against women or individuals with special needs, against children, or by use of a weapon.
During the investigation, the victim is notified of his/her rights in his/her language, and is provided the opportunity to make a statement, said Al-Abilan.
The victim is also seen by a specialist to see whether he or she is in need of medical or psychological care. If the victim is a foreigner needing to stay in the Kingdom or work during the course of the investigation or court proceedings, the court will assess the case and make the appropriate decision.
The penalty also applies to individuals who carry out such crimes as part of an organized gang and to government employees who abuse their position.
Such individuals will be tried under the relevant anti-money laundering regulations and the Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution will study such cases before they are brought to court.
General courts in six different regions reviewed during 1435-1436 AH a number of cases in which women and children were exploited by being forced to beg and bring money to people who used them. One hundred and twenty-six such cases were reported and various sentences were delivered, including jail terms and fines.
Lawyer Abdullah Al-Abilan said the exploitation of women and minors falls under human trafficking cases in courts, and the Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution investigates such crimes, as well as seeking to shelter victims of such crimes, before ensuring that judicial rulings are properly executed.
He said the law says that using, transporting or sheltering any person for the purpose of exploitation falls under the crime of human trafficking, and commensurate penalties are meted out as per Article 2 of the legislation.
Trading in persons, coercing them into forced labor, or abusing or forcing them to beg for money are all such crimes, and are punishable by a jail term of up to 15 years or a fine of up to SR1 million or both. Sentences vary based on the case and on whether the crime was committed as part of an organized group, against women or individuals with special needs, against children, or by use of a weapon.
During the investigation, the victim is notified of his/her rights in his/her language, and is provided the opportunity to make a statement, said Al-Abilan.
The victim is also seen by a specialist to see whether he or she is in need of medical or psychological care. If the victim is a foreigner needing to stay in the Kingdom or work during the course of the investigation or court proceedings, the court will assess the case and make the appropriate decision.
