Haia chief: Accusers need to furnish proof

The Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (known as Haia) has challenged those who have accused it of corruption to present evidence to prove their charges.
“The recent complaints submitted to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (Nazaha) by some lack evidence. I challenge anyone to file a complaint against us. The doors of my own office are open for inquiries and I will bring in any official in question for immediate confrontation,” Sheikh Abdul Latif Al-Asheikh said at a press conference in the Eastern Province.
Al-Asheikh said field workers were dedicated members of the organization who nevertheless may make mistakes.
“Haia members are disciplined workers, as they undergo a series of training programs, besides attending workshops,” he said, adding that penal measures for misconduct would be announced shortly.
He acknowledged that the official spokesperson may not have answered questions from the media effectively in the past.
“It leads to embarrassing situations and I myself have to reply to questions posed by the media,” he said.
Al-Asheikh denied claims that the fire incident that occurred at a Haia branch office in Riyadh on Saturday night was an act of arson.
“Don’t jump to conclusions. Wait until investigative authorities ascertain the actual cause of the fire,” Al-Asheikh said.
A local newspaper had reported that a deliberate attack was carried out on the office in Riyadh’s Al-Badeeah district and that the building’s electricity meter was tampered with to start a fire. Riyadh Al-Shoraimi, assistant spokesman of the Haia in Riyadh, said that no one was injured and that there were no damages.