Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its strict stance on protecting educators, announcing that any individual who physically or verbally assaults a teacher, whether in person or via social media platforms, will face a 10-year prison sentence and a fine of up to one million riyals.

Law Expansion to Digital Platforms

This law, initially introduced in 2018, classifies both physical and verbal abuse of teachers as criminal offenses. In response to the growing misuse of social media and digital platforms to defame and attack individuals, the law was updated to encompass these channels.

Rising Incidents Prompt Stricter Measures

The decision to implement such stringent measures followed a rise in incidents where teachers were subjected to violent attacks. Recent years have witnessed several high-profile cases, including incidents where students assaulted teachers both within school premises and in public spaces.

High-Profile Cases Highlight the Need for Protection

One notable case involved a student who physically confronted his teacher, an altercation that was recorded on video and subsequently went viral on social media. In 2018, a high school teacher in Taif was severely injured after being punched by a student during a class session.

The law unequivocally states: “Any physical attack against any of the ministry’s staff will be considered a criminal act that warrants imprisonment and a fine.”

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Saudi Arabia: Strict Consequences For Assaulting Teachers