Saudi Arabia Enforces 10-Year Prison Term, SR1 Million Fine for Assaulting Teachers

Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its stance on protecting teachers, imposing a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to SR1 million for any physical or verbal assault, whether carried out in person or through social media platforms.

Enacted in 2018, this law categorises both physical and verbal abuse of teachers as criminal offenses. The legislation was recently expanded to cover digital platforms in response to rising abuse and defamation cases targeting educators online.

This measure was introduced following a surge in violent incidents against teachers, including high-profile cases of assault both in educational settings and public spaces.

Noteworthy is a recent incident where a student physically attacked a teacher, and the altercation, captured on video, quickly spread across social media.

In 2018, a Taif high school teacher suffered injuries and bleeding after a student struck him during class. The law stipulates: “Any physical attack against ministry staff is deemed a criminal offense, resulting in imprisonment and a fine.”

For any enquiries or information, contact ask@tlr.ae or call us on +971 52 644 3004. Follow The Law Reporters on WhatsApp Channels.