Saudis order buildup of religious police to preserve stability
Monday, July 13, 2009 E-Mail this story Free Headline Alerts
ABU DHABI Ñ The king of Saudi Arabia has approved an order for a nationwide crackdown on vice by the religious police.
Officials said the force, reported to be expanding to 10,000 officers, would be deployed in Saudi cities to enforce Islamic observance. They said the decision by the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice was approved by Saudi King Abdullah in an effort to maintain social order.
"The commission's men are called upon to orient people in what serves best the public interest, treat them with kindness and tolerance, to keep good intentions and prevent vice from happening," commission chief Abdul Aziz Al Humeen said.
Officials said Abdullah approved a program to double the force from 5,000 to 10,000 officers. They said the religious police were authorized to search homes and stores for alcohol as well as segregate the sexes.
The crackdown was ordered amid rising criticism of the religious police. In February, the king replaced Ibrahim Al Ghaith as part of a reshuffle in the command and ordered the appointment of Al Humeen.
In May 2008, the religious force was bolstered when Interior Minister Prince Nayef Bin Abdul Aziz, a leading supporter, became deputy prime minister and No. 2 figure in the kingdom. Nayef has termed the religious police as important as the security forces.