DAMMAM: Hindering the work of paramedics at accident scenes can lead to criminal charges.

This is according to lawyer Mohammad Al-Bayabi, who said that if there is deliberate tampering with evidence at scenes where criminal offenses have taken place, this could lead to the death penalty.

He said that not only do people risk hindering the work of paramedics and other rescue officials, they could also contravene laws against illegal gatherings, according to a media report on Wednesday.

He said Saudi Red Crescent and other rescue officials have been instructed to take down the plate numbers of those hampering their work and report them to the police.

Fahd Al-Ghamdi, spokesman of the Saudi Red Crescent in the Eastern Province, said that people gathering around accident scenes obstruct their work and put themselves and others at risk. He said more awareness needs to be created around these issues, particularly at schools.

Col. Zaid Al-Ruqeiti, spokesman of the Eastern Province police, said people doing so also destroy vital evidence, preventing officers from doing their work properly. This is why officers cordon off areas once they arrive at accident scenes, he said.