The Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice received three complaints against its employees during the year, an official said while addressing a meeting organized for Haia members in Tabuk.

“Only three cases of abuse of authority throughout the year have been brought to our attention. Some of the mistakes committed by Haia officials were unintentional,” said Abdul Latif Al-Asheikh, president of the Haia, during a function organized as part of a weeklong program to discuss ideological security.

“However, if any deliberate offense is proven against a Haia member, he will be held accountable for that act and disciplinary action will be taken against him. He will be punished even if the mistake is not committed deliberately,” Al-Asheikh emphasized, expressing his intention not to allow his men take law into their hands.

Al-Asheikh said that investigations are currently underway into the alleged incident in which a Haia member assaulted a citizen in Abha and that senior Haia officials have been dispatched to the area to collect evidence.

The Haia president also clarified the issue of hiring female staff in the organization, explaining that that they currently do not have jobs suitable for women.

He said studies were underway to help employ female workers in the organization’s ranks, acknowledging the need to integrate women within the Haia.

Tabuk Gov. Prince Fahd bin Sultan inaugurated the Haia weeklong program and stressed the importance of intellectual security for the safety of society and country.

The prince also urged Haia members to exercise caution against the destabilizing activities of anti-social elements within the country.

“It is the duty of Haia members to develop their skills with the help of modern technology and to be vigilant of the developments taking place in our country, especially given the fast pace of change taking place in the fabric of Saudi society. The Haia should take steps to adapt to changing times,” the prince urged in his opening speech.

He also advised members of the Haia to be patient and courteous in their interactions with the public and not to exercise undue haste in taking action against individuals.

In another development, the Haia announced in a statement that it has reached an understanding with the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs to open office branches in markets across the Kingdom.