Haia denies banning young Saudis from shopping malls

RIYADH — Single Saudi men are often prevented from entering malls and other shopping centers by officials of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (Haia), triggering controversies and leaving a bad impression on the religious organization. The Haia’s presidency has categorically stated that it has not taken any decision to prevent young Saudis from entering malls and shopping centers. But the authorities of shopping centers have confirmed that the prevention order came from the organization. Haia’s spokesman Turki Al-Shulail denounced the false allegation. “The Haia has not issued any such decision,” he added. While the two sides exchange accusations, many young Saudis are left to wait outside shopping malls as a result of the unannounced ban. But the manager of a major company, which runs malls inside the Kingdom and abroad, said it would not accept any ban on young Saudis from entering their shopping centers. “We’ll not stop anybody because we are working to have more customers,” said the manager who requested anonymity. The manager blamed some Haia officials for creating the controversy. “These officials instruct shopping complex managers to prevent entry to young men and the guards implement those instructions.” Muad Mousa, a young Saudi, told Al-Hayat daily that he was banned by the Haia while entering the mall to purchase some essential commodities. “This has changed my impression about this organization. Their talk will impress you but you will hate their actions.” Mousa added: “We don’t know the reason for preventing young men like me from entering malls but we are accustomed with this spiteful practice.” Adel Al-Yahya described the move as embarrassing. “There is nothing wrong if we prevent a wicked youth from entering the mall. But stopping all young men who are not accompanied by women relatives is quite ridiculous,” he added. Former Riyadh Emir Prince Sattam had instructed the authorities in 2012 to ensure that there was no ban on young men entering shopping centers. The prince's directive pointed out the negative impact of such decisions as it would encourage young men to gather outside the malls and create problems for others. The late governor had also instructed the ban should be limited to people who tease women and cause problems for them. The prince had urged the authorities to take punitive action against those who violate the freedom of others. Makkah Emir Prince Khaled Al-Faisal has also instructed the authorities not to prevent young men from entering malls and shopping centers. However, the emir insisted that all shopping centers should have adequate number of guards to deal with any situation. “They should also adopt modern security technologies and take stiff punitive action against those who violate regulations,” the emir was quoted as saying.