MADINAH – Members of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (Haia) have been instructed to give a written pledge not to chase violators under any circumstances. In a circular sent to Haia branches across the Kingdom, Sheikh Abdullatief Al-Asheikh, President of the Commission, issued a strict warning that those who violate this directive would face penal action in accordance with the law. There is a provision in the law banning any chase. Haia members can note down the number of the vehicle of violators and hand it over to the concerned agencies for further action. The branch offices have confirmed to Okaz/Saudi Gazette that they received the circular signed by Muhammad Al-Eidi, deputy chief of Haia, which instructs to obtained a signed pledge from all members of the Haia and then send them to the Commission. The follow up department at the Commission would continue monitoring whether any member is violating the directive. Al-Asheikh's directive came after members of the Haia were found to be involved in several incidents of chase. Two brothers were killed in a deadly chase that happened in Riyadh last month. The two Haia members allegedly fled the scene but were later arrested and are being questioned by the concerned authorities. The car's occupants were two siblings in their early 20s. An eyewitness said the Haia vehicle deliberately bumped into the small car from behind. The vehicle swerved off the road, fell off a bridge, and overturned.
