Jurists and counselors have suggested harsh legal measures against sports club fans found encouraging extremism, particularly those who use children to achieve this, as well as those who rally to carry out acts of sabotage and assault of various kinds.
Legal counselor Mohammad Al-Whaibi told local media that the use of children to disseminate hatred and extremism, whether forced or coerced by the parents, the teacher at his or her school, or any other authority, is a crime that falls under the provisions of human trafficking laws which involve sanctions of up to 15 years in prison.
"If such acts are accompanied by indecent behavior, comments and remarks contrary to public policy or morality, then the system of 'information crime' applies, and generally involves sanctions of 5 years of prison and a fine of SR3 million", he said.
Taleb Al-Taleb, a former judge, said that fans of sports clubs found assaulting people will be treated as criminals. "Using children to implement such crimes is a crime in itself, even if that child is willing to act by himself. Our religion and laws forbid assaulting other Muslim souls and properties," said Al-Taleb, adding that any person under 18 years of age is a child.
The system, he said, has considered disseminating extremist phrases and acts electronically. Regardless, producing or circulating this material is a crime that falls under the system of information crimes.
He explained that the Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution is the body that represents the rights of the public before the Criminal Court on this issue. "Being active in sports is good, even in cases where it appears to be strong and enthusiastic, but other times it gets nasty and leads to aggression and assaults."
Lawyer Sultan Al-Makhelfi said that sports extremism falls within the crimes of libel and defamation of others. "Article 3 of the system criminalizes the offensive with severe sanctions", he added.
He cited some of the acts considered sports extremism, including raising banners and slogans, or harassment of others by exploiting their weaknesses, abuse of authorities, fraud and deception, or alluring others with money to act violently during a sporting event.
"Article 1 of the laws of human trafficking stipulate a prison sentence of 15 years and/or a fine of SR1 million for any person accused of such offenses", he said.
Makhelfi called on authorities to impose the most severe punishments on those involved in sports hooliganism.
Up to 15-year jail for sports hooligans suggested
Up to 15-year jail for sports hooligans suggested
Where We Are Going Today: Ana Starter Sourdough Factory in Dammam
Since returning to live in the Kingdom after years abroad with the best bakeries at my fingertips, I have been on a mission to find suitable sourdough locally. I sampled many mediocre ones, but one would rise above the rest: Ana Starter Sourdough Factory.
I first met founder Aisha Al-Omair at the Juthoor Farmer’s Market and tried her bread then. I liked it immediately.
“Ana Starter Sourdough Factory started as a passion for creating and fermenting the healthiest bread and introducing it to the Saudi market,” she told me at the time.
It began as a personal mission then expanded — like the dough — to serve the community.
“For a long time, I’ve suffered feeding my kids proper bread. The breads that were available at the supermarkets or at local bakeries had instant yeast, that never really took time to ferment, and therefore, when you consume the average bread, you notice some stiffening, you notice indigestion, you notice bloating and heartburn.”
Indeed, I did not feel any bloating or heartburn after devouring a slice or a few so I recently went on a quest to find more.
I ventured to Dammam to find her factory shop. It is a tiny slither of a place — I almost missed it while driving past factories in the Industrial City.
The shop comes with a decadent whiff of delicious bread.
Upon entering, you will see fridges stocked with bread and goodies like jams and butters (from other brands) that complement the bread well.
The sourdough offerings include jalapeno cheddar, zataar, plain and about a dozen other flavors.
The hassawi sourdough, made with local dates from neighboring Al-Ahsa, quickly became my favorite. It has little bits of dates tucked inside like tiny treasures.
Each slice is separated with a sheet, making it easy to freeze and pull out what you need without slices sticking together.
Fluffy with a rustic crust, it is great for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or slathering with salted butter.
My freezer is now packed with loaves.
At around SR45 ($12) per loaf, the price is slightly steep for the local market, but the superior quality is worth the extra dough.
Each day, they post on Instagram Stories showing what is available for pickup — and the quantity of each item.
Ordering is easy: Send a DM to reserve a loaf, swing by the shop, or opt for delivery.
• For more details, check their Instagram @anaastarter.
