Just over a week after she was arrested for jumping on stage to hug Saudi-Iraqi singer Majid al-Muhandis, a fangirl in Saudi Arabia has been referred to a criminal court.
This comes after Al Taif governorate's public prosecution wrapped up its investigations into the case. During her interrogation, the woman reportedly admitted to hugging the singer and said she was encouraged to run onto the stage by friends.
According to Al Madina newspaper, the defendant is now set to face legal consequences in the case under the country's newly implemented anti-sexual harassment law.
"She will be tried under the sixth article of the law which carries a prison sentence of up to two years in addition to a fine of 100,000 riyals," the newspaper wrote.
Why try the defendant under the anti-sexual harassment law?
Reacting to the latest turn in the case, some Saudi tweeps criticized the fact that the woman is set to be tried under the country's anti-sexual harassment law.
To many, jumping on stage to hug a singer doesn't constitute a form of sexual harassment, which is a more serious matter that affects millions of women in the country.
However, some disagreed and thought the woman should be held accountable for going against the kingdom's social norms, regardless of the legislation used to punish her.
A few are satisfied with the news...
"This news made me happy."
And see nothing wrong with how she's being tried...
"Let her case be an example to others."
Some believe the punishment she might get is just too harsh...
"What she did was wrong... but it just doesn't make sense for her to be jailed for a year and pay a huge fine. I can't imagine what her family, mother, father, and siblings are going through... I hope this reckless girl is forgiven."
Many believe the incident has nothing to do with sexual harassment...
"I just want to know what sexual harassment has to do with this incident."
And can't make sense of the public prosecution's decision...
"Charged with sexual harassment! Did Majid al-Muhandis file a complaint against her? Her charge should be disrespecting public morals, it has nothing to do with harassment."
"You're never going to advance, not even with laws"
"If this was a case of domestic violence you wouldn't have given it so much attention"
"Regression"
Saudi's anti-sexual harassment law was implemented earlier this year...
The law is of vital importance in the kingdom, where women in specific continue to face high rates of sexual harassment. According to a 2014 study, nearly 80 percent of women aged 18 to 48 said they have experienced sexual harassment in the country.
The Institute for International Research, a Canadian institute specialized in research and field studies, found that Saudi Arabia witnessed an 11.4 percent increase in sexual harassment rates in 2016, compared to 2014.
Amid several harassment cases reported by women in recent years, Saudi authorities seem to have become adamant on sending a message to abusers that they will be held accountable.
In recent months, they made immediate arrests in several abuse cases captured in videos that went viral on social media.