Saudi Arabian law punishes those who ask for financial assistance on social media with a fine of SR50,000 or six months in jail.
A social media plea is known as electronic begging,” lawyer Sara Al Harbi told Saudi television Al Ekhbariya.
In Saudi law, such pleas are illegal and considered begging.
A beggar and the person who helps him/her face six months in prison or a fine of 50,000 riyals. Repetition doubles fines," she said.
After serving their sentence in Saudi Arabia, foreign offenders face deportation and are prohibited from returning.
Legal charity platforms in Saudi Arabia ensure donations are given to those who truly need them, according to the lawyer.
In Saudi Arabia, citizens and expatriates are urged to donate through legal channels.
Saudi Arabia launched its state-sponsored platform Ihsan (Charity) last year, allowing donors to choose preferred categories of assistance and make donations via smartphone apps.
