The Saudi campaign against young men wearing low-waist jeans – which has already resulted in hundreds of arrests in Riyadh – has now spread to Madinah.

Police in the holy city, aided by the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, have begun apprehending youths who are “indecently dressed”, Arab Newsreports.

First-time offenders will be asked to sign letters promising not to reoffend, but second-time offenders risk prosecution.

Two judges told Arab News that the punishment would differ from one judge to another, and could include jail and flogging. “The two judges also agreed that the judicial system refuses to accept the testimony of witnesses who are dressed indecently.”

Posted by Brian Whitaker, 4 October 2009.