Model spent 24 hours in prison
Wijdan Al Gharibi spent 24 hours behind bars and had to sign an undertaking that she would not repeat her reckless offence
Staff Reporter MUSCAT: An Omani model, who filmed herself driving at 203kph, spent 24 hours behind bars and had to sign an undertaking that she would not repeat her reckless offence.
Wijdan Al Gharibi’s police case sparked a storm on social media as residents demanded that her car be confiscated, and that she be jailed and handed a much heavier fine. But the Oman-based model, who has over 200,000 followers on Instagram, maintains that she was not given any special treatment by police, despite what some residents feel.
“I spent 24 hours in jail and signed a pledge to never do it again. I did not receive any special treatment, I got the same penalty that anyone would get if they did what I did,” said Al Gharibi.
In addition to spending 24 hours in jail, Al Gharibi’s car was also confiscated by police for two weeks, and she had to pay OMR1,000 for her 76 fines.
The social media influencer was arrested by the Royal Oman Police (ROP) after her post on Snapchat went viral.
In the clip, Al Gharibi filmed herself while driving her Mercedes car and viewers can see the speedometer steadily climb to 203kph, as she weaves in and out of traffic on the road to the United Arab Emirates.
“My message for everyone is to follow the law, and remember that the Oman police are here for our safety, and that is the reason why we should respect the rules. I had to pay OMR1,000 for all of my 76 fines and my car got confiscated for two weeks. Usually, in a similar case, the police would take the person directly to the Public Prosecution, but sometimes, the police make you pay all of your fines and you get vehicle confiscation, which is what happened in my case.”
Al Gharibi said: “I took a snap of myself speeding on my way to the UAE before Eid-Al-Adha. I admit that I made a mistake by speeding above the speed limit, and I regret it, especially because I’m a public figure, and I have loads of followers. I know now that I should be more careful.”
Distracted drivers are using social media while they should be concentrating on driving, experts say. An ROP spokesman said: “In reference to what has been circulated on social media about a video in which a citizen filmed herself, and posted it on her personal Snapchat account, which showed the vehicle travelling at speeds of more than 200km/hr, the Traffic Department confirms that legal procedures have been initiated against the person, and hopes that everyone will abide by traffic rules and regulations, and make our roads safe for users.”
Ali Al Barwani, chief executive officer of Oman’s Road Safety Association, called such reckless driving shameful.
“She might think she has become very popular because of such stunts on the road, but this is an extremely dangerous act and she is actually very lucky that a very serious accident did not occur.”
“Across the world, the largest percentage of accidents occurs among people between the ages of 18 and 25, and it is the same in Oman. “I would ask all residents in the country to not do what this young woman has done,” he added.