Okaz/Saudi Gazette

RIYADH — The higher authorities have issued directives to take stringent punitive measures against anyone who facilitates the entry of infiltrators into the Kingdom.

The Okaz/Saudi Gazette has learned from well-informed sources that the penalty for the offenders includes jail terms ranging between five and 15 years and a maximum fine of SR1 million.

The offenses also include giving transportation to infiltrators within the Kingdom and rendering them any sort of assistance or service with knowledge about this offense.

Apart from imprisonment and fine, the means of transportation used for carrying infiltrators will be confiscated. The accommodation that was specially prepared to shelter the infiltrator or used for this purpose only will also be confiscated. If the means of transportation or housing are owned by others, then the penalty is a maximum fine of SR1 million.

According to the sources, if the one who gives transportation to an infiltrator is a man of good faith and the offense was committed out of negligence due to certain circumstances, in such case, the penalty will be a maximum fine of SR500,000; and a decision in this regard can be taken by the competent court after examining the circumstances.

In all the above cases, the penalty shall be published after the issuance of the final verdict in the case in one or more local newspapers or in any other appropriate medium at the expense of the convict, depending on the gravity of the crime and its impact.

The Public Prosecution shall undertake the investigation and prosecution of these crimes before referring them to the criminal court and the penalty shall be executed 15 days after issuance of the final verdict. Anyone who notifies the Ministry of the Interior with information useful for the arrest of infiltrators will be exempted from penalties stipulated in the law.