Saudi Arabia: Influencer posts pictures of son dressed as woman

Abu Dhabi: A social media influencer sparked controversy by publishing pictures of her son wearing women’s clothes and makeup, Saudi media reported.

The celebrity’s offences necessitated the intervention of Saudi Arabia’s Domestic Violence Reports Centre, and she was summoned by the Public Prosecution for investigation and legal action.

Khaled Al Fakhri, legal adviser and secretary-general of the National Society for Human Rights, said if the behaviour was repeated and systematic against the child, the child protection laws would be applied, and other measures taken, up to removing him to an alternative family, or placing him in a shelter designated by the Ministry of Human Resources and social development.

Violation of rights

Prosecutors said that what the woman did was a violation of the rights of the child. The Domestic Violence Reports Centre also revealed that a woman had posted a picture of her child after forcing him to wear women’s clothes, photographing him and posting the photo on social media.

Al Fakhri said that the celebrity’s publication of pictures of her child with the aim of increasing followers is unacceptable and contrary to laws and regulations, which brings the parents to account for negligence or abuse.

Prosecutors said if the behaviour is isolated, then a warrant is signed not to repeat this act, but if it is systematic, the child protection rules will be applied, and other measures will be taken, including removing the child to alternative care. The penalty is left to the judge, according to the severity of the crime and the surrounding circumstances, according to a prosecutor.