Topic: Grand Mufti reiterates doubling fine is wrong


zejd.peqin    -- 23-02-2011 @ 8:44 PM
  JEDDAH: The Kingdomıs Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh, has reiterated that doubling traffic fines amounts to taking riba (usury), which is unlawful in Islam and that the traffic department should find other ways to punish violators.

ıThe system is wrong because demanding double the actual amount if it is not paid in a month is nothing but riba,ı the grand mufti said while answering queries on religious topics at an event held at Riyadhıs Imam Turki Mosque on Friday.

On an earlier occasion, Talal Bakri, a Shoura council member, demanded the suspension of the Saher system until a royal decree is issued. Bakri also condemned the system as usury.

Bakri questioned the validity of the system, which he said should be implemented after detailed studies followed by a royal decree, something that was not carried out in the case of Saher.

He accused the traffic department of being harsh on the poor who are unable to pay accumulating fines.

He wondered at the logic behind doubling fines and criticized the officials who implemented the system as ignorant in the methods of enacting and implementing laws.

ıDoes Saher really aim at protecting lives, increasing awareness among people, or generating money?ı the member asked in a discussion in the council last month. He pointed out that the system was introduced without laying the infrastructure on roads such as proper traffic signals showing speed limits. He complained that the text messages sent to a violator did not specify when and where the violation was committed.

He also wanted to know which company was responsible for operating the Saher system.

Many citizens criticize the system by attacking the officials of the company implementing it. Some people have been caught for damaging Saher camera


By MUHAMMAD AL-SULAMI | ARAB NEWS

Published: Feb 18, 2011 23:27 Updated: Feb 19, 2011 13:36



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