The head of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (the Hai'a) in Makkah has said that an immediate investigation has been set up into the detention of a man in Taif for “having long hair”. Hai'a chief Ahmed Al-Ghamdi said the man in his twenties was working at a store in Taif when he was detained by members of the Hai'a and held for three hours on Wednesday, with an initial report from staff stating that the action was taken because he “had long hair and looked like a girl”. “The Hai'a plays a complementary role to that of the family in maintaining the interests of youth,” Al-Ghamdi said. “Any detentions should be made on the basis of clear information and not on individual whims.” The long-locked shop assistant was reportedly taken aback on being approached by the Hai'a who led him away to Al-Faisaliya Police Station, only being released after having his hair cut. A spokesman for Taif Police said the three-hour detention was made based on a report and request from the Hai'a.
