Al-Madinah daily recently reported a news item about a man, who repented of his wrongdoings and helped lead the Commission for Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice to one of the biggest vendors of alcohol in the country. The man’s action prevented the immediate sale of some 375 bottles of liquor and stopped operations that may have brought in as much as SR25 million during Eid.
Since the vendor had rented a villa for more than SR60,000 as the permanent location of his wicked business, it’s only logical and acceptable to assume that his business brings annual profits in the millions of riyals. He might also be into other areas of corruption and evil, such as selling drugs and organizing prostitution.
First, I would like to thank the commission members for their efforts against evil in the country. Second, I thank the man who helped them for his active conscience and good intentions. But something came to mind while reading the news. Why do we never libel those who are arrested on charges of drug dealing or selling alcohol?
All we read in newspapers is that they either are sentenced to prison or death. It’s really important not to conceal these people’s identities. We need to warn and inform society not only of evil but also of the consequences of evil.
In such cases, there must be some sort of follow-up on these people’s interests such as bank accounts or family affairs to make sure that everything is confiscated. All strings must be cut, leaving no room for anyone to carry on the dirty work. Naming these purveyors of evil and putting them under psychological pressure would be the best lesson for others who might be tempted into following their examples.
