Saudi police arrests Snapchat cross-dresser

Saudi police have arrested a man on public order charges after he was accused of cross-dressing online, a report in the conservative Islamic kingdom said.

Police in Qassim, northwest of the capital Riyadh, “arrested a famous Snapchat personality who appeared in video clips dressed like women,” the Sabq online newspaper reported late on Monday.

The publication, which is close to authorities, quoted the Qassim police spokesman as saying the suspect was detained “for producing and distributing material insulting to public order.”

Sabq did not identify the suspect but said citizens had complained about his dressing ‘inappropriately.’

In April, the government stripped the kingdom’s frequently criticised religious police of the power of arrest but strict moral codes remain in effect. Members of the Haia force can now only offer advice.