An Umrah pilgrim from Indonesia, Muhammad Said (26 years), received a two-year prison sentence in Saudi Arabia after being found guilty of committing sexual harassment against female Umrah pilgrims from Lebanon. Said is judged to have defiled the sanctity of the Grand Mosque.
A spokesperson for the Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah, Ajad Sudrajad said that Said’s sentencing hearing would take place on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, local time. However, he admitted that he was still studying the decision.
“What is clear is a two-year sentence and a fine of Rp. 200 million,” said Ajad Sudrajad via voice message obtained from the South Sulawesi Ministry of Religion, Friday, January 20, 2023.
Apart from punishments and fines, he said, Said’s case would also be reported in local newspapers, the costs of which would be borne by the convict.
According to Ajad, the court Arab Saudi stated that the man from Pangkep Regency, South Sulawesi, carried out the action while performing the tawaf. Said was found guilty because he confessed to the act before the Saudi Arabian police during the interrogation. Although in front of the panel of judges, he denied committing sexual harassment.
“Even though he admitted that it was not true, it was not considered,” said Ajad.
Moreover, the victim and two security officers around the Hajar Aswad Haram Mosque Mecca saw Said hugging the victim from behind.
Apart from that, security camera or CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) footage also shows Said committing sexual harassment by sticking his body from behind to the victim’s body many times.
The victim was also said to have screamed immediately when Said put his hand to the victim’s chest.
“What is burdensome is that the victim feels humiliated. That is the basis for the judge Said to be guilty,” he said. “Said also pollutes the sanctity of the Grand Mosque.”
Even so, continued Ajad, the judge gave an opportunity to the two conflicting parties if someone raised an objection. Said was given the opportunity for 30 days if he wanted to appeal the decision handed down to him.
The rejection of the judge’s decision can be submitted by Said in writing to the Court of Appeal provided that he has facts or evidence that can disprove the trial evidence.
Muhammad Said left umrah on November 3, 2022, through Hajj and Umrah travel PT Annimah Bulaeng Wisata Maros Regency. Travel owner Muhammad Rusdi also acknowledged the incident of sexual harassment.
“It’s true, Said is now being held in Saudi Arabia,” said Rusdi.
Source: archynewsy
