All members of the Commission for Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice except for the driver accused in the Tabuk and Madina car chase accidents have been released. Earlier, investigations were focused on whether Commission members were responsible for the deadly car chase accidents. Two people were killed in the Tabuk car accident in March and four people died in the Madina car accident in April. Eyewitnesses had reported that Commission members were involved in car-chasing the victims, which allegedly led to the accident. Commission members are not authorized to chase suspects who flee arrest. Ibrahim Al-Gaith, President General of the Commission, while announcing the release warned all Commission members against chasing suspects. “It is sufficient to report the description of the person and the car's license plate number to security authorities and checkpoints,” he said. It is prohibited to follow suspects who use cars, motorbikes or flee on foot. Al-Gaith added that the driver in detention would be released soon. He further said that Commission members are not permitted to conduct a personal search of individuals including their mobile phones, unless the search is called for as part of the case. Al-Gaith accused the media of blowing up the Commission's mistakes while ignoring its efficacy, Arabic daily Al-Hayat reported. He also said that any member who engages part-time individuals for field work would be held accountable. “The roles of individuals who cooperate in reporting vice end once they have reported an incident,” Al-Gaith said. When asked if the Commission has also engaged women for field work, in view of reports of clashes over women advising other women in shopping malls about dress code and make-up, Al-Gaith replied: “No women work for the Commission. The women present at commercial centers are unofficial volunteers. The Commission does not need women at present, but they may be considered in future.” He said a new system has been introduced to assist women victimized by blackmailers and stalkers. A special course to combat sorcery and witchcraft was also conducted recently, Al-Ghaith said, noting that expatriates had introduced these practices here. He also rejected rumors that some members of the Commission were ex-convicts. “Employment criteria and guidelines ensure candidates have a clean slate,” he added. – Okaz __
