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Saudi General Security announced the arrest of a man in Makkah for harassing passers-by and causing panic among the public on October 2, 2026. According to the official statement posted on its X account, security authorities in the Holy Capital acted immediately to handle the situation and referred the case to prosecutors after taking legal measures. The body confirmed that the man was dealt with on the spot, underscoring the swift response of law enforcement in the sacred city. Officials highlighted the need for citizens to obtain information solely from verified government channels to avoid misinformation.
The statement explicitly rejected various rumors that had spread on social media concerning the event. General Security stressed that what is being circulated in claims about the incident is not true. It called on the public to rely on official sources for accurate details about such matters. This response came after a video began circulating that purported to show the arrest but actually originated from an unrelated past event.
Reports indicated that the viral video dates back to 2017 and depicts a Saudi national suffering from mental health issues who attempted to pour gasoline on himself near the Kaaba in a suicide attempt. Saudi media outlets such as Al Watan explained that the footage has no connection to the current arrest or any terrorist activity. The 2017 incident involved police intervention to prevent self-harm rather than any explosive threat. Authorities have now clarified that no such security breach occurred in the latest case.
The arrest aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to maintain safety and order in its holy sites. Khaleej Times reported that the Kingdom continues to enforce strict measures against harassment under its dedicated anti-harassment legislation. This law criminalizes unwelcome acts or gestures, with penalties reaching up to two years in prison and fines of 100,000 Saudi riyals for standard cases. In more severe or repeated offenses the punishment can increase to five years imprisonment and 300,000 riyals in fines the publication noted.
In a comparable case from August 2026 Saudi authorities detained another individual for harassing women in a video with investigations revealing mental health concerns according to the Ministry of Interior. That episode also led to legal proceedings against the suspect. Such incidents demonstrate the proactive stance taken by Saudi security forces in addressing public disturbances promptly. The latest action in Makkah serves as a reminder of the priority placed on protecting visitors to the Grand Mosque.
General Security operates as Saudi Arabia’s national police authority responsible for maintaining public order across the kingdom. Its statement on the Makkah event was designed to counter misinformation that could cause unnecessary alarm among residents and pilgrims. By referring the case to the Public Prosecution officials have ensured that the judicial system will determine the appropriate legal consequences. The swift denial of rumors also reflects coordinated steps to manage information flow during incidents at sensitive locations.
