Arab News runs two articles concerning the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (aka, ‘religious police’ or ‘The Commission’).
The first takes a looks at general attitudes about the Commission and their work. Some think the organization performs a socially useful duty; others believe it puts itself above the law.
Public Opinion Divided Over Commission’s Role
Badea Abu Al-Naja, Arab NewsJEDDAH, 20 March 2008 — While the General Presidency of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has made it clear that its members are banned from “hot pursuits,†opinions expressed to Arab News reflect mixed feelings about the commission’s role in society.
On Sunday a man and woman died in a car accident in Tabuk while commission members were chasing them on suspicion of being in a state of khulwa (illegal seclusion of an unrelated man and woman).
“I support the commission and wish that media people would not be blind to the great services done by the commission in upholding the moral values of our society,†said Fehaid Al-Shareef, a Saudi from Makkah. “It is unfair to hold the entire establishment of the commission responsible for a few inadvertent slips on the part of some of its members.â€
On the other hand, Waheeb Abdullah, another Saudi, said that it was time for the authorities to take strong measures to check the actions of commission members and hold them accountable for their excesses.
“Several fatal accidents have been reported recently because of the commission’s harsh treatment and disrespect for the regulations. Who gave the commission the authority to chase a violator, whoever it may be?†Abdullah said.
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The second article reports that the identity of a woman killed in a car crash [See second item] following a high-speed pursuit by Commission members is still unidentified.
Police Yet to Identify Woman Killed in Tabuk Car Chase
Raid Qusti, Arab NewsRIYADH, 20 March 2008 — Police in the city of Tabuk have not yet identified the young woman who perished along with a male acquaintance in a car accident on Sunday following a car chase involving the moral police.
Maj. Gen. Naser Al-Arfaj, head of the Tabuk Police Department, refused to comment on the case when contacted by Arab News. He said a statement would be issued once the investigations were over.
No local families have reported any missing family members. According to reports published yesterday, investigators are checking attendance at Tabuk’s Social College for Women to see if anyone has not attended classes since the accident took place. The police had reason to believe the young woman was attending the school based on an interview with a person listed in a mobile phone recovered from the accident site.
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March:20:2008 - 10:14
When will the authorities start acknowledging that this is an undisciplined organization that cannot control its members. They should look into dissolving it altogether or at a minimum a comprehensive restructure starting with a well defined mission, training, operational procedures and rules of conduct. I prefer the first solution.
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March:20:2008 - 10:14
I just lost my post but I will write it again…
Is Fahaid Al Shareef smoking crack? Or would he sign the petition to allow woment to drive. The deceased were in seclusion but aren’t women in seculsion with their drivers like everyday. A man is a man unless he is a eunuch!
What heartless parents wouldn’t claim a missing child? Barbaric…For honor…I have a very sad story that I will not share now but maybe one day concerning a disgusting story of a young girl a suicide and a literal cover-up and an unclaimed body. I will keep that story to myself!