Local media reported that Saudi authorities arrested a citizen who appeared in a viral video assaulting a female nurse at a hospital, prompting anger and calls for tough punishment.

Throughout the video, the Saudi man is seen dragging the woman on the floor as others try to stop him.

According to police in Asir in south-western Saudi Arabia, the man was arrested for attacking a nurse at a hospital in Al Majaridah governorate. Police said legal procedures were taken and he was referred to prosecution.

The assault happened Thursday evening after the man asked the nurse to remove a feeding needle, but she did not respond promptly, his colleague told Saudi online newspaper Ajel.

"The nurse has a distinguished career. "She has been working at the hospital for nearly a year now," said the colleague.

According to the Saudi Health Ministry, verbal or physical assault on health practitioners is punishable by law.

According to the ministry, the maximum punishment is 10 years in prison and a fine of SR1 million.

According to Saudi media, the suspect was arrested with his hands behind his back.

Commentators demanded the attacker be brought to justice after the assault, which drew massive condemnation online.

"What are these wrong behaviors, we must speak out against such actions. What kind of assault is this?”” nurse?nurse? " tweeted a man named Hamad Al Muteiri.

According to another commentator, "what happened last night [Thursday] against a nurse is a crime punishable by Saudi law by up to ten years in jail and a fine of 1 million riyals."

Following news of the attack, an Arabic hashtag trended reading "Citizen attacks Saudi nurse".