Many across the world are celebrating this day with pranks but Saudi Arabia may not be the best place to do this.
The first day of April is celebrated by playing pranks in many countries of the world.
Some countries even engage in food fights, special festivals, and the likes just to celebrate April fool’s day.
However, if you try this in Saudi Arabia, you may end up in jail.
The Saudi Law
In 2022, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) imposed a fine of 500,000 Saudi Riyals which is about $133,250.
This fine was being imposed on anyone who is caught pranking, this may include pranks played on April fool’s day.
See: April Fools Day: What You Should Know Before Playing That Prank
According to legal expert Dr. Majed Garoub, posting pranks on social media is a crime in Saudi Arabia.
It is classified as a violation of the country’s Anti-Cyber Crime Law.
Age Is Not An Excuse
Young people may think they are safe from being fined but legal expert says otherwise.
Dr. Majed told local media, that most pranksters on social media are young and juvenile.
But, “age does not exempt the offender from arrest and imprisonment with investigations conducted in line with specific procedures suiting their age,” he adds.
Apart from the fine, offenders may face imprisonment from six months to three years.
“However, both penalties can be applied, depending on the nature of the violating content,” says the legal expert.
Therefore, before you engage in April Fool’s prank in Saudi Arabia, be ready to pay the price.
