Saudi Gov’t Responsible for Security of Pilgrims: Iran’s First VP
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Following the second accident in a couple of weeks leading to the deaths of hundreds of pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, Iran’s First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri urged Riyadh to fulfill its duties and provide full safety for the pilgrims.
More than 1000 pilgrims, including 89 Iranian nationals, were killed and hundreds of others injured in a stampede during Hajj pilgrimage rituals outside the holy city of Mecca on Thursday.
In reaction to the deadly incident, Jahangiri stressed that Saudi Arabian government is responsible for the safety and security of the Hajj pilgrims and should fulfill its duties in this regard.
Saudi Arabia’s government is to blame for the repercussions of any negligence over the issue, the Iranian first vice-president added.
He also made a phone call to Iranian officials in Mecca and instructed them to follow up on the conditions of Iranian pilgrims.
The pilgrims were killed in a crush at Mina, outside the holy city, where some two million Muslims are performing the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
The accident came nearly two weeks after tens of Hajj pilgrims were killed in another tragic incident in Mecca.
On September 11, a massive construction crane crashed into Mecca’s Grand Mosque in stormy weather, killing at least 107 people and injuring 201 others.
Saudi authorities have been blasted for their failure to ensure the safety of hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who converge on Mecca for Hajj every year.
