Saudi- Haia 'not linked' with car chase 

(MENAFN - Arab News) The president of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (Haia) has denied press reports that his officials caused a much-publicized car chase tragedy in Baha province.

A Saudi was killed and three of his family members were injured after a high-speed car-chase in Baljurashi allegedly involving police and Haia officers and the case has been passed on to the Bureau of Investigation and Prosecution.

However, Abdullatif Al-Asheikh criticized what he claimed were concerted efforts to tarnish the Haia's image and its officials by linking it to various incidents.

He said in a statement: "The Haia has nothing to do with the incident as our officials did not chase the car.

"Our staff members are human beings. They are not angels. They make mistakes.

"There are thousands of Haia officials on the ground. An independent committee has been set up to probe the Baljurashi incident and the Haia has nothing to do with it."

The Haia chief spoke about his meeting with Crown Prince Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense.

He added: "The crown prince advised us to deal with people nicely with kindness in line with the teachings of the Prophet (peace be upon him)."
He said he had found some shortcomings during his inspection tour of the Haia office in Jeddah.

He added: "We'll create a suitable working atmosphere for Haia officials in Jeddah to carry out their duties in the right manner."

Al-Asheikh highlighted the importance of the media. He said: "It's one of the wings of Islamic teachings.

"Media professionals are doing a great job contributing to the progress and prosperity of the Kingdom and its people. However, the media is also a double-edged sword and should be used properly for the benefit of the Ummah."

He commended Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for providing moral and material support to strengthen the commission. "We are committed to carry out our mission in the best manner. We don't have any excuse."

He urged the media to give his organization their full support.