Academics have confirmed that the directive from the Emir of Asir Region, Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, to prohibit the photographing, documenting, or circulating of what occurs in reconciliation councils, mediations, and tribal dignitaries' gatherings without prior official approval, contributes to protecting the privacy of the disputing parties, enhances the chances of successful reform efforts, and maintains the status and social message of these councils away from media spectacle.

The directive stipulates the prohibition of photographing attendees, parties involved in reconciliation, or any discussions, statements, documents, amounts, or procedures related to the reconciliation by any means, including social media, without the approval of the competent authority.

Academics emphasized that the directive reflects the Emir's concern for organizing social customs in a way that ensures respect for individuals' privacy and prevents the exploitation of occasions or stirring public opinion.

They affirmed that regulating the documentation process establishes trust between the disputing parties and makes them feel secure, contributing to creating a calmer environment that helps reach fair and sustainable solutions, away from media pressures.

Leaking Negotiation Secrets

The head of the Media and Communication Department at King Khalid University, Dr. Ali Abdullah Al-Zuhair, stated that social media platforms have become a reason for the failure of some reconciliation efforts by bringing discussions into the public eye, stirring tensions, and leaking negotiation secrets. He explained that publishing details of sessions before their completion may thwart solutions, open the door for non-specialists to intervene, and turn reconciliation councils into media spectacles that hinder reaching a calm consensus, in addition to wasting time addressing rumors instead of bridging viewpoints.

Wise Decision and Conscious Vision

Dr. Yahya Hassan Al-Fifi described the directive as a wise decision that embodies a conscious vision and an understanding of the importance of these councils and their role in reforming, healing rifts, and unifying voices, emphasizing that the success of reconciliation relies on trust and privacy, not on cameras and viewing platforms.

He added that the transformation of some reform councils into content for creators seeking "trends" may embarrass the parties involved and affect the course of reconciliation. Furthermore, circulating clips out of context opens the door to misinterpretations and uncontrolled interpretations, which may harm the reputation of individuals and families. He affirmed that the directive does not restrict media work but regulates it in a way that serves the public interest, preserves human dignity, and upholds the prestige of reconciliation councils, enhancing the status of the Asir Region in balancing the preservation of social heritage with keeping up with contemporary developments.

Healing Hearts and Extinguishing Strife

For his part, Dr. Ali Al-Faris cited the Pact of Al-Fudul witnessed by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) before the mission, indicating that history did not record the names of the disputants or the details of the discussions, but rather the outcome, which was the support of the oppressed and the end of injustice. He considered that the essence of reform lies in achieving reconciliation, not in documenting its details.

He pointed out that the directive from the Emir of Asir Region returns reconciliation councils to their original message as councils for building trust, healing hearts, and extinguishing strife, not arenas for competing for views, emphasizing that privacy grants the parties greater space for acknowledgment and concession, increasing the chances of reaching a genuine and sustainable reconciliation.