Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia has issued a stern warning against damaging the nation’s cultural heritage sites, imposing hefty fines and potential jail time for offenders.
The Public Prosecution declared on Thursday that anyone caught defacing or vandalizing historical or urban heritage, including acts like writing, painting, engraving, posting advertisements, or setting fire, could face a penalty of one year in prison and a fine of up to 100,000 Saudi riyals (approximately $26,660). Offenders could also be subjected to one of these penalties alone.
This stern message coincides with the Kingdom’s celebration of its Founding Day, which fell on February 22. Marked by King Salman, this day serves as a national remembrance to honor the establishment of the first Saudi State in Diriyah.