Haia Chairman Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh

With increased terrorist activity in the region, the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (Haia) has shifted its focus to crack down on people spreading extremist ideas in the country.

“Your mission is no longer confined to monitoring shops that remain open during prayer times or instructing women to adhere to modest dress codes,” Haia Chairman Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh told staff members at a meeting in Madinah.

“The mission has now become much more significant as we attempt to eradicate extremist ideas and confront, including using force, those who promote the principles championed by terrorist groups,” he said.

Al-Asheikh said it was important to protect the country’s young people from believing the views of these extremists and supporting causes of the enemies of Islam and Muslims.
He said the work of the Haia in this regard would play a crucial role in ensuring the security of the country.

Al-Asheikh also confirmed that Haia has disbanded the unit supervising field operations in Riyadh, to make use of its employees in other activities.

He said the Haia’s field operations would be limited to responding to calls related to harassment, khulwa (the seclusion of unrelated men and women), drug abuse, and participating in joint operations with security agencies.

Turki Al-Sholail, the Haia spokesman, said: “The staff members of the support unit would be sent to the 44 centers in Riyadh. “There will not be any change in the activities of these centers.”

 
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