HAJJ 2020: 2,050 PEOPLE HELD FOR TRYING TO ENTER HOLY SITES ILLEGALLY

Sat 01 August 2020:

Saudi authorities arrestred total of 2,050 people while attempting to infiltrate into Makkah and the holy sites without Hajj permits; said a spokesman of the Hajj Security Forces Command on Friday.

“We stopped 2,050 who were in violation of the entry instructions into the holy sites and legal measures are set to be taken against them,” the statement published on the Saudi Press Agency read.

Fines imposed on illegal entry into Mecca come into effect on July 19 ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage being held this year in a limited capacity due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Saudi Arabia’s interior ministry confirmed it will be imposing a fine of 10,000 Saudi riyals ($2,666) for violators entering the holy sites in Mecca without a permit during the upcoming Hajj season.

The spokesman also added that there are punitive measures; against them for their foiled attempt; to perform Hajj in violation of the coronavirus precautionary measures and preventive protocols.

Only up to 10,000 people already residing in Saudi Arabia were able to participate in this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, compared with 2019’s gathering of some 2.5 million from around the world, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Think your friends would be interested? Share this story!