Saudi Arabia arrests 50 men for wearing 'un-Islamic' ripped jeans and Crocs during Ramadan crackdown

Fifty men have been arrested in Saudi Arabia for wearing 'un-Islamic' clothes like ripped jeans and Crocs shoes or for sporting haircuts not deemed as 'modest'. The men were detained during a crackdown in the holy month of Ramadan in Islam's holiest city of Mecca.

The form of Islam practised in Saudi Arabia is known as Wahhabism and clerics inside the Kingdom have banned camera phones, socialising with other genders and female drivers. During Ramadan, one of the five pillars of Islam, the faithful must devote themselves to piety and charity.

The Saudi Council of Muftis regularly issues fatwas on western trends and items they believe to be un-Islamic including all-you-can-eat buffets, selfies with animals and men and women talking in online chat rooms.

According to Saudi news website Sabq the offenders in Mecca were "handed over to the department of criminal investigations" after they were spotted shopping in the city. Police noticed "a number of offences like strange haircuts, chains that are hung upon the chest or arms, head wraps and short clothes and immodest ones − for both men and women," said the website.

The law enforcement team were out in force to advise on "habits and traditions that are against religious teachings". Saudi Arabia is considered to be one of the world's most conservative countries where women are restricted on who they socialise with and are forced to dress all in black from head to toe while in public.

Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is spearheading the Vision 2030 reform drive to diversify their oil-based economy and bring about social change. Many young Saudis want more entertainment, cultural and sports opportunities.

On 2 January Saudi Arabia faced global condemnation after it was revealed that 47 people were executed at prisons around the country.

The UK has billions of pounds of defence contracts with the kingdom and co-operates on security issues which critics argue prohibit British politicians from challenging the oil-rich Saudis on human rights.