Riyadh cracks down on drag

Riyadh’s strict Islamic morals have been challenged in the past month when over 70 (mostly Filipino) men were arrested for indecency after being caught wearing women’s clothing and makeup. The original Arabic newspaper report reveals images of those arrested with incriminating evidence. The Guardian reports: According to the paper, most of those arrested are ‘practitioners ...

Riyadh's strict Islamic morals have been challenged in the past month when over 70 (mostly Filipino) men were arrested for indecency after being caught wearing women's clothing and makeup. The original Arabic newspaper report reveals images of those arrested with incriminating evidence. The Guardian reports:

Riyadh’s strict Islamic morals have been challenged in the past month when over 70 (mostly Filipino) men were arrested for indecency after being caught wearing women’s clothing and makeup. The original Arabic newspaper report reveals images of those arrested with incriminating evidence. The Guardian reports:

According to the paper, most of those arrested are ‘practitioners of sexual deviance’ accustomed to renting guest houses at weekends for ‘shameless’ parties where they ‘practise these disgraceful rituals’. More than 580 comments from readers posted under the article show strong approval for the police action, coupled in some cases with expressions of xenophobia and racism."

Parties like this one are not uncommon in Riyadh, although they occasionally result in raids and mass arrests by the Saudi police.

According to many conservative Islamic scholars, imitating the opposite sex in such a manner is considered sinful.

The punishment for said crime varies yet remains severe, with many offenders receiving over five years of jail time with daily lashings. Vice-President of the Philippines Noli De Castro responded to the situation timidly, urging overseas Filipino workers to abide by the standards of Saudi society. Clearly, the La Cage aux Folles world tour will not be making a stop in Riyadh.

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