By Abdulrahman Al-Khetarish

Okaz/Saudi Gazette

JAZAN – Jazan Emir’s Office has referred the case of the organizer of the mixed-sex festival, in which a girl appeared wearing traditional clothes and full make-up and dancing, to pertinent authorities. The girl’s appearance in the festival, which took place this month at the Heritage Village in Jazan, caused public anger and controversy and the girl faced all round flak as she did something that was against social traditions and customs.

Investigations conducted by officials of the Emir’s Office concluded that the girl was underage. She was deceived into participating in the event by the organizer who put her in this situation, taking advantage of her naivety. The organizer will be banned from getting involved in any similar activities in the future and will be held accountable to his actions, according to Ali Zala, spokesman for the Emir’s Office.

“When the event took place, emir of Jazan immediately ordered an investigation with all parties involved including officials of the Saudi Commission of Tourism and National Heritage.”

The commission announced earlier that it has opened an investigation with the organizer following the dancing festival and even issued a statement that it had nothing to do with the segment where the underage girl appeared dancing.

Zala urged the general public not to get involved in any actions that are against social traditions and Shariah rules.