This refers to the article "Harassment against women, tougher punishment needed" by Mahmoud Ahmad (Oct. 28). The solution is simple: Deterrent and strictly enforcible punishment, rehabilitation, community service, and defaming the culprits. If it would be proven that the women involved have in some way encouraged the harassment, then they should receive the same punishment. But the punishments should be applied to all offenders! No exceptions, no excuses! But then again, I must be dreaming! T. Tawfiq, Online response II. I find it incredulous to blame women for wearing makeup and acting indecently in public. Does it not say in the Qur'an that men should lower their gaze! Women are treated as second-class citizens by men here. Ramon Mohamed, Online response III. I have noticed in Saudi Arabia and many other countries, the youth appear to have a lot of "free time". I am unsure of the laws dealing with youth their age, but perhaps the kids needs constructive things to do. When I was younger I had a job that kept me busy. When I wasn't in school, I earned a bit of money. Dan, Online response IV. The impunity with which the youth harass the girls with no one interfering at the scene shows that either the people around approve the acts of harassment or did not intervene for fear of their own safety. I am going with fear of their own safety . I know I need to act in this kind of situation but those boys seemed to be irresponsible and may react with harsher action. Anonymous, Online response
