Embassy confirms arrest of 19 Filipinos in Saudi party

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine embassy in Riyadh confirmed yesterday the arrest of 19 Filipinas during a raid on a Halloween themed party in Al Thumamah district last Saturday.

The embassy has verified from its official contacts that there were indeed Filipinos arrested during the raid and was in the process of verifying the charges filed against them.

The STAR learned that the Filipinos are in the custody of investigators and would be transferred to Malaz Jail.

According to the embassy, the Al Thumamah police conducted the raid following reports from residents who complained of excessive noise coming from the venue of the party. 

The police have forwarded the case to the Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution.

The 19 Filipinas, together with five men from Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Yemen and Egypt, could face a jail sentence of not less than a year if charged with immorality or organized witchcraft activity.

Witchcraft is an act punishable in Saudi Arabia with imprisonment and a fine. The evidence will most likely be based on Halloween motif and costumes used during the private event.

A Facebook post of Humoud Al Fajrawi and shared by Patnubay Online showed videos of the Halloween party and people wearing costumes of ghosts and clothes with messages like “I will kill you.”

Possible charges may also include holding of an event without permit and disturbing the neighborhood. There may be other charges, depending on the findings of the Office of the Prosecutor.

The embassy sent a team to the investigation division to get details on the case and gave assurance it is ready to provide whatever assistance the Filipinos may require, including legal.