Saudi Arabia: Arrest of 7 People for "Comedic" Reasons

The police in the Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia announced the arrest of seven individuals who impersonated security personnel in a "comedic" manner to gain views on social media. The media spokesperson for the Riyadh police stated that "in reference to the visual content circulating, depicting individuals performing the roles of security personnel in comedic scenes at a commercial establishment and posting them on social media, the police apprehended them. The group consists of five citizens and two residents of Yemeni and Chadian nationalities." The statement from public security further noted, "It was found during the investigation that they did this to gain views and increase their followers. They have been detained and legal procedures have been initiated against them, and they have been referred to the public prosecution."