Saudi Arabia Calls for 'Kinder, Gentler' Religious Police

Saudi Arabia announced Wednesday that its frequently criticized religious police force no longer has the authority to arrest citizens, and must now strive to "kindly and gently" enforce Islamic rules. The new guidelines for the Haia force, also known as the Mutawaa, were approved by the Cabinet and published Tuesday, mandating that only police and drug squad officers have the jurisdiction to make arrests. "Neither the heads nor members of the Haia are to stop or arrest...

© La Voix de l'Amérique - mercredi 13 avril 2016