Abdullah Al-Dani
Okaz/Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH — A video on social media showing a member of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (Haia) rudely kicking a girl out of a shopping center has gone viral.
A source said the video sparked outrage among viewers raising questions on the role of the commission staffers.
“The video sparked a heated discussion on the lack of respect and courtesy among the commission members and the unpleasant image they portray," the source said.
Okaz/Saudi Gazette contacted the commission head in Makkah and he promised to issue a formal press release on the incident. He has not yet done that and the viewers are concerned whether the commission is taking such impolite actions seriously.
The source also said viewers wondered what caused the commission staffer to act so rudely.
“With not much detail shown in the video, the viewers are left to speculate whether the member had gone too far or the girl had done something terribly vile. All in all, viewers are calling for the commission to have in place etiquette workshops and training to better qualify field members and how they deal with threatening situations,” said the source.
Psychiatrist Dr. Jamal Al-Tuwairqi said the commission’s field members must go through communication etiquette programs, especially how to deal with women and respect their privacy.
“They need to know how to talk to women in a respectful manner. The Prophet (peace be upon him) had always advised us to treat women well. Those who abuse women are mentally sick,” said Al-Tuwairqi.
He added there is absolutely no excuse for being vulgar and abusive toward women unless the field member has psychological issues which need to be checked by professional practitioners.
“The commission’s field members should be the role models that all men in society follow as they preach the example of the Prophet (pbuh). They should also be evaluated regularly as such vile behavior must be penalized and condemned,” said Al-Tuwairqi.
Lawyer Majed Qaroub said citizens must be more aware of their rights.
“The reason why the commission is separate from the courts is to ensure justice toward the citizens. The commission has the legal liability to arrest violators as are the police but it does not have the legal liability to conduct an investigation, that is the responsibility of the Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution,” said Qaroub.
