Iran Calls for Formation of Islamic States' Police to Boost Security of Hajj Rituals

Iran's Police Chief Brigadier General Hossein Ashtari lashed out at the Saudi government for its inability to ensure security and safety for Hajj pilgrims, saying the Iranian police is prepared to undertake the responsibility.

Addressing a ceremony in Tehran on Monday, General Ashtari said that the recent deadly crush in Mina, outside the holy city of Mecca, which claimed the lives of at least 464 Iranians, indicated the incompetence and irresponsibility of Saudi rulers.

Iran’s Law Enforcement is prepared to undertake the great responsibility of providing security for Mecca pilgrims, he stressed.

He further criticized the indifference of Saudi police and officials towards the deadly incident.

Saudi police and statesmen would better give the responsibility of ensuring the Hajj security to the police forces of Islamic countries if they are not capable of managing the pilgrimage, General Ashtari underscored.

According to Iranian officials, over 4700 pilgrims including 464 Iranians died in a crush in Mina on September 24, when performing religious rites. The incident marked the worst Hajj disaster in 25 years.

Hajj, the world’s largest annual gathering of people, has already witnessed numerous deadly crushes, fires and riots in the past.

Saudi authorities have come under fire for their inability to ensure the safety of hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who converge on Mecca every year.



/257