Saudi sources have finally released details about the country's long-awaited anti-sexual harassment law, ordered by Saudi's King Salman last September.
Speaking to Okaz newspaper, a prominent source shared details of the punishments that are set to be passed under the legislation, adding that the law will be finalized soon.
According to the most recent news reports, the final draft of the law، which is comprised of eight sections, was recently submitted to the Saudi government. After its members discussed it, they passed it on to the kingdom's Shura Council, who are set to review it next week.
Once reviewed, the council's decision will then be sent to the kingdom's ruler, who is expected to give the legislation a final seal of approval.
The edict was issued in a royal decree announced by King Salman in 2017, which circulated online at the time, stating that the law would set out to prohibit and prevent sexual harassment in all its forms.
So what are the punishments expected under the law?
One of the punishments announced by sources is up to 15 years in prison for anyone convicted in a sexual harassment case.
The second is a fine of up to 3 million riyals ($800,000.)
According to Okaz newspaper, a defendant can receive one of the above punishments or be handed both at the same time, depending on the circumstances of each individual case filed in court.
The law's newly published details are now circulating on Saudi Twitter...
It made people's day...
"That is exactly what we need"
Many think the punishments make sense...
"Thank God, the best punishments."
"3 million and 15 years will hit them hard"
"At least those criminals who never feared God, will fear prison and fines"
"Let's hope they mercilessly and properly implement it"
"So that it doesn't become just ink on paper."
Saudis had called on authorities to speed up the law's passing...
"A sexual abuser is a criminal who must be punished. We await the passing of Saudi Arabia's anti-harassment law."
After several sexual harassment cases were reported across the kingdom in recent months, many Saudis called on authorities to speed up the process of imposing the sexual harassment law.
The edict is of vital importance in the kingdom, where women 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.
Other than working on criminalizing sexual harassment, 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.