OSG
The Saudi Arabian authorities have apprehended a man who travelled to the Holy City of Mecca to pay homage to the longest-serving British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.
The man, from Yemen, had broadcasted a video of himself on social media inside the courtyard of Mecca’s Grand Mosque, the holiest site in Islam, committing his Umrah pilgrimage to the late monarch.
He was also seen holding up a banner, which read in both English and Arabic: ‘Umrah for the soul of Queen Elizabeth II, may Allah grant her peace in heaven and accept her among the righteous.’
The man was later arrested by Saudi Police for ‘violating the regulations and instructions’ of the holy site.
Security forces then referred him to the public prosecutor to face charges.
In a statement, reported by Vice, the interior ministry of Saudi Arabia said: ‘The special forces of the security of the Grand Mosque arrested a resident of Yemeni nationality who appeared in a video clip carrying a banner inside the Grand Mosque, violating the regulations and guidelines for Umrah.’
The Grand Mosque is off-limits to non-Muslims.
Saudi Arabia also bans signs and political slogans from the sacred courtyard for fear of offending Islamic sensibilities…
