Surveillance cameras to monitor new mosques

All new and larger mosques in Jeddah must install internal and external surveillance cameras under new directives announced by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.

These measures will allow the ministry to monitor all activities and ensure no extremist speeches and sermons are being delivered, said a top official.
The move is part of additional measures and plans aimed at promoting religious tolerance and peace in mosques, added Ali Al-Shamrani, director general for Endowments, Mosques, Calls and Guidance in Jeddah.

He said the new automated control system, which the ministry plans to install at mosques, will allow for closer monitoring of the performance of imams in mosques. 
The sermons will be recorded automatically and transmitted directly to the ministry.
In a related development, the ministry launched a forum at King Faisal Conference Hall at King Abdulaziz University this week to discuss the roles and duties of imams and preachers in strengthening citizenship among youth and adolescents. 

More than 1,000 preachers were expected to take part in the event.
The ministry carefully monitors all forums and meetings, said Al-Shamrani.
It does not permit any activity taking place without its knowledge and prior approval, or by preachers not employed directly by the ministry, said the official.
The ministry determines the sermons based on the intended message and records all speeches delivered by preachers, said Al-Shamrani.
All sermons are reviewed if authorities receive any complaints and violators are penalized. 

A university professor, meanwhile, called for additional monitoring of mosques in order to identify potentially dangerous terrorist elements.
“Extremists aim to attract citizens and do so by targeting three main groups. They are vulnerable youth at mosques, former prisoners and the unemployed,” said Prof. Ahsan Abu Taleb of Prince Naif Arab University for Security Sciences. 

The professor, who is also a security expert, emphasized the need to focus on the role of mosques turning youth away from extremist ideas, as well as their role in promoting moderation and tolerance.