Over 17,000 Unlicensed Hajj Pilgrims Arrested by Saudi Security
The Director of Public Security and Head of the Hajj Security Committee, Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami, said that among the arrested were 9,509 people who violated the residency, work and border security rules, and 105 organizers of fake Hajj campaigns across the Kingdom. They have all been handed over to the Public Prosecution, according to the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.
He also said that 202,695 unauthorized people were turned away from the Mecca entry points and 128,999 unlicensed vehicles were barred from entering Mecca and the holy sites.
Al-Bassami added that 33 people who transported unpermitted pilgrims were caught and referred to the seasonal administrative committees under the General Directorate of Passports at the Mecca entrances to face the regulations against them.
Hajj started on Monday, June 26, following the sighting of the moon in Saudi Arabia, and ended on Friday, June 30. Pilgrims performed various rites such as circling the Kaaba seven times, walking or running between the hills of Safa and Marwa, standing on Mount Arafat, stoning the devil, sacrificing animals, and shaving their heads.
This year's attendance marked a significant increase from the previous year when numbers were restricted due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Source: Agencies
