Okaz/Saudi Gazette

TAIF — A young woman in her 20s surprised the audience attending a concert in Souk Okaz by climbing on to the stage and hugged singer Majed Al-Muhandis.

Security guards interfered immediately and dragged the woman off the stage. Security was increased at the concert to ensure that no one has easy access to the stage.

The woman was arrested after a video of the woman climbing on the stage and hugging Al-Muhandis went viral on social media. She was charged with harassment.

Some social media activists considered the act as harassment while others said it was an innocent but belligerent move by a girl who was overly affectionate of the singer or she acted on a dare among friends.

Lawyer and legal consultant Abdulhakim Al-Qadi said the maximum penalty for harassment is imprisonment for two years and a fine of up to SR100,000.

“We must protect the rights of society. The victim has the right to demand legal action against the harasser. The judge may hand out stiff punishment to her to ensure that others understand and respect social values,” said Al-Qadi.

Police said the woman was placed in a social observation home for women in Makkah.