A Saudi court is hearing harassment claims made by a female employee against an expatriate manager who allegedly sent her a lewd joke via WhatsApp.

Details of the Complaint

The employee, a human resources specialist, lodged a legal complaint accusing the manager of verbal harassment through private messages containing sexual innuendos, reported by Saudi newspaper Okaz.

The employee claimed she had asked the manager to stop sending messages outside of work hours or on matters unrelated to work. However, the manager, identified as an Arab national, allegedly continued to harass her despite her protests.

The woman added that she had already filed complaints with the company but received no response, prompting her to take the matter to court. She asserted that she has WhatsApp messages and witnesses to support her claims.

The Manager’s Response

The accused manager denied the allegations, arguing that the inappropriate message had been sent by mistake and that he had apologized for it. He suggested that the accusations might stem from a work-related dispute and requested the court to dismiss the case.

Legal Proceedings

Investigators reviewed a report containing copies of the WhatsApp messages, which included lewd jokes. The manager has been charged with harassment and violation of the Saudi anti-cybercrime law.

According to Okaz, the Jeddah-based court is expected to issue a verdict soon. If convicted, the manager could face up to five years in prison or a fine of up to SR300,000.

Saudi Laws on Sexual Harassment

Earlier this year, Saudi authorities began naming individuals arrested for sexual harassment to deter future offenders.

Under Saudi law, harassment is punishable by up to two years in prison and a fine of SR100,000. Repeat offenses or acts committed in public or at the workplace carry harsher penalties—up to five years in prison and a fine of SR300,000.

Legal authorities have clarified that punishment for sexual harassment remains enforceable even if the victim withdraws their complaint.

Special Cases with Stricter Penalties

If the victim is a child, a person with special needs, or if the incident occurs while the victim is unconscious or asleep, the crime is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of SR300,000.

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