The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country, living according to its centuries-old traditions and customs . Her subjects have more bans than rights, especially women. Despite this, the centuries-old way of life in the kingdom remains unchanged. Permission here is only allowed to pilgrims, businessmen and representatives of diplomatic missions.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country, living according to its centuries-old traditions and customs . Her subjects have more bans than rights, especially women. Despite this, the centuries-old way of life in the kingdom remains unchanged. Permission here is only allowed to pilgrims, businessmen and representatives of diplomatic missions. But they also need to strictly observe the laws of Saudi Arabia, so as not to face its harsh representatives of the executive and religious police.
Features of the legislation of Saudi Arabia
The basic law of the country is the charter, drawn up on the basis of the constitution, which, in turn, is based on the Sunnah of the Holy Qur'an. The charter is divided into 9 chapters and 83 articles. All laws of Saudi Arabia correspond to the Salafic interpretation of Sharia and do not abolish other Islamic traditions.
The constitution of the kingdom details the following chapters:
- basic principles;
- monarchy;
- features of the Saudi family;
- economic principles;
- rights and obligations;
- the power of the state;
- financial questions;
- management bodies.
The basic law of Saudi Arabia has repeatedly been criticized because of a flagrant violation of human rights. It does not contain any article that would describe the rights of women in society. Because of this, they are not protected from terror within the family or the attack of strangers on the street. Despite this, discussions and demagoguery about discrimination against women in the kingdom are prohibited.
A noticeable limitation in rights is also observed in unmarried men. In particular, they are forbidden to visit public places, divided into family, male and female zones.
Laws of Saudi Arabia for Women
In Saudi Arabia, there are even special laws for women, the observance of which is actively monitored by the religious clergy and the special Shariat police "mutavva." If men in the kingdom can be convicted only because of violations of the requirements of the Koran or the statute, then women are particularly hard. They are limited in all their rights. According to these laws, each representative of the fairer sex is obliged:
- have a male guardian who takes all decisions for it;
- obey a man-guardian, otherwise he has the right to use force or even kill her;
- wear in public places a black "abaya" - clothing that covers the entire body, except eyes, hands and feet;
- in places separated by gender, move only through a special "female" zone;
- To receive education only with the consent of a male guardian;
- choose work only after the approval of the guardian.
This set of religious prohibitions also prohibits women:
- to go in for sports and attend sporting events;
- to drive a car;
- use public transport ;
- choose your own spouse.
According to the laws for women, Saudi Arabian religious police can arrest them and put them in jail for wearing "wrong" clothes or communicating with an unfamiliar man. A guardian may allow a woman to leave the prison ahead of schedule or, alternatively, insist on an extension of the term.
Despite substantial restrictions on the rights, for many women in Saudi Arabia, these laws are a tribute to the traditions of their ancestors. Only a few of them are fighting openly against discrimination. Many women managed to occupy high positions in the political environment, education and science.
Punishment for non-compliance with the laws of Saudi Arabia
The severe legal system of the kingdom requires strict compliance with the charter and norms of sharia law. For violating the laws of Saudi Arabia and the Koran, the following penalties are set:
- public flogging (for petty crimes);
- stoning;
- chopping off limbs;
- the death penalty.
The most severe sentence is imposed on people who have committed willful killing, smuggling, religious apostasy, violent acts of a sexual nature and armed robbery. The death penalty in Saudi Arabia also threatens those who violated the law and organized an opposition group, entered into pre-marital relations or declared an unconventional sexual orientation. Cut off the head here can be false prophets, sorcerers and sorcerers, blasphemers and atheists.
Only in this country the execution is carried out by beheading the Arabian saber. Very rarely, and most often, women are used to shoot. Execution of this sentence is an honorable right. This is done by representatives of dynasties of executioners, who transfer their skills from generation to generation. According to official sources, over the period from 1985 to 2016, 2,000 people were executed in the country.
An offender who violates the law of Saudi Arabia may be exempted from the death penalty only by agreement of the parties, subject to compulsory monetary compensation.
Tourist information card
Until recently, only the employees of oil companies, representatives of diplomatic missions, businessmen and pilgrims were allowed to enter the territory of the kingdom. Only in 2013 the government opened its borders for tourists. In order not to violate the severe laws of Saudi Arabia, foreigners should:
- avoid talking about the political or religious situation in the country;
- to visit public places only in closed clothes ;
- bathing on public beaches in private bathing suits of a special cut;
- Choose clothing that is different from traditional Arab costumes that reflect belonging to a particular clan;
- to refuse to conduct photo and video shootings from private property objects, state and military institutions, near local residents.
In rural areas, a traveler can feel safe, because there is not such a large population. In addition, villagers tend to have a slightly different mentality. You should be more careful in the capital and large cities. The crime rate is minimal, but literally every step is followed by the Sharia police. Otherwise, observing the usual precautionary rules and laws, traveling through Saudi Arabia is almost safe.