Saudi authorities arrested academic for criticizing Entertainment Authority

The Saudi authorities continue their repressive approach against anyone who criticizes their policies within their rule with an iron fist of the kingdom and suppresses any opposition and public freedoms.

In the latest development, the authorities arrested Sheikh Dr. “Omar al-Mukbel” professor at the Faculty of Sharia at the University of Qassim, for criticizing the practices of the entertainment in the Kingdom.

The “Detainees of Conscience” account and Twitter said on Tuesday evening that he had confirmed the arrest of Sheikh Dr. Mukbel.

The tweeter Account added that the arrest took place against the backdrop of a clip that was wide-spread, a few days ago, expressing his opinion about the practices of General Authority for Entertainment, saying that what is going on “skin the Saudi society of identity in the name of entertainment.”

Al-Muqbel said in the video, which was circulated on the 7th of this month, that the Authority is bringing dirty people to the land of the Two Holy Mosques.

He said: “How bad influence will their presence and festivals bring”
Al-Mukbel considered that “foolishness and Westernization does not entertain and flay the community of his identity and bring to the indignation of the Lord and the reason for his punishment.”

In 2016, the Kingdom approved a new organization of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, which reduces its powers, prevents it from arresting people, and requires that its members have scientific qualifications, in addition to good conduct.

The entertainment sector has witnessed tremendous developments since the establishment of its own body in 2016, in conjunction with important social and economic transformations in the country.

The kingdom decided on December 11 to allow the opening of cinemas after a ban of more than three decades, and is expected to open cinema halls in March.

The Saudi Vision 2030 aims to raise the contribution of the entertainment sector to GDP from 3% to 6%.

Saudi Arabia has recently witnessed a series of decisions to abandon a number of official laws and customs adopted by the country for decades, most notably allowing women to drive, entering football stadiums, and allowing them to travel without the permission of a guardian.