Saudi Arabia Makes Arrest following Israeli Journalist's Mecca Trip
Police in Mecca have referred a Saudi citizen to the Public Prosecution after he allegedly became complicit in facilitating the entry of an American non-Muslim journalist into the holy city, according to the official spokesman for the Mecca region police, Saudi Gazette reported.
In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on Friday, the spokesman detailed the incident in which the citizen transported the American journalist to Mecca through a dedicated path for Muslims.
He said this was an explicit violation of the regulations that prohibit non-Muslims from entering the holy precincts. The citizen was arrested and legal measures were taken against him.
The spokesman noted that all visitors to the Kingdom need to respect and abide by the regulations especially with regard to the Holy Mosques and the sacred sites.
“Any violation of this kind is considered a crime that will not be tolerated, and suitable penalties will be applied to perpetrators according to the relevant regulations,” he added.
The spokesman said the case of the American journalist involved in the crime was also referred to the Public Prosecution to take appropriate action against him.
In a video shared on his social media account, Gil Tamari who is Channel 13’s world news editor shows himself driving into the city and areas that the Saudi government bans non-Muslims from entering.
In another image, Tamari can be seen on Mount Arafat, near the holy city of Mecca where one of the most important rituals of the Hajj pilgrimage is performed annually.
Non-Muslims cannot enter the holy city of Mecca and some parts of Medina.
Source: Agencies
