The Ruling on Spying, Investigating, and Covering Up the Sinner for Members of the Committee

The questioner:
The questioner asks: Is it permissible to spy on someone suspected of committing a sin? He says: Since I work in the Committee, is covering up for the sinner after he is caught considered a blameworthy act? And if the violator flees, am I required to pursue him?

The Shaykh:
My brother, the Committee has a system. The Committee has a system, and you proceed according to the system in performing your work. If something is unclear to you, refer to the authority to which the Committee refers for its problems. But the question... what is the question?

The questioner:
The question asks: Is it permissible to spy on someone who is suspected?

The Shaykh:
Spying is not permissible, but investigating investigating and following up for the sake of the stronger public interest is investigating. So if a person is suspected and there is suspicion regarding him, there is no harm in following up on him and investigating him until it becomes clear whether he is innocent or he has fallen into [sin], in which case he is dealt with appropriately. Yes.

The questioner:
And he asks: Is covering up for the sinner after he is caught considered a blameworthy act?

The Shaykh:
Yes, one covers up for the sinner and carries out the punishment he deserves, and covers up for him. It is not permissible to publicize it, saying "So-and-so did this" and "So-and-so did that." His punishment is sufficient. Yes.