Friends in lawsuit over Saudi marriage collapse allegations

A marriage collapse in Saudi Arabia has seen one divorced woman begin legal proceedings against her friend, blaming her for the end of the relationship.

Gulf News on Monday described the allegations as "alienation of affection" and having been responsible for the divorce, citing Saudi coverage.

According to the divorced woman, her friend repeatedly encouraged her to check her partner's phone.

This was due to multiple tales suggesting his "betrayal", Gulf News said.

It was not clear if this referred to alleged infidelity or something else.

The friend is additionally accused of "stirring" the woman to act poorly towards her spouse, leading to issues in their relationship.

The now-divorced woman alleged that with the passing of some months, she discovered her friend was having issues with her own marriage.

If found guilty, the ex-friend may face up to three months in jail, according to Assem Al-Mulla, a lawyer or a fine may be imposed.

Moreover, the lawyer explained that "[i]n case the alienation of affection is indirect", someone convicted of the offence will either be given a 10-day jail term or issued with a fine.

Women should support the same football teams as their husbands in order to avoid tensions in their homes, a Saudi marriage counsellor has "advised" 🥴https://t.co/0qcU3oL2Qo

— The New Arab (@The_NewArab) January 26, 2021

This is not the first time marital problems in conservative Saudi Arabia have made the headlines.

In January, a Saudi marriage counsellor suggested women should back the same football team as their husbands to prevent problems at home.

The counsellor, Basma Jumaa, herself a woman, made the remarks in a televised interview.