Mina tragedy result of Saudi mismanagement, inconsideration

The catastrophic stampede in Mina, Saudi Arabia, is the result of Saudis inconsideration and mismanagement, says Brigadier General Hossein Ashtari, Iran's National Police Chief.

'The Saudi police and security people, in addition to their mismanagement, did little to help the hajj pilgrims,' Ashtari said on Thursday among members of Iran's police force.

'Even a drop of water could have saved the lives of many, causing the number of the dead to drop,' he said.

General Ashtari called for a full investigation into the Mina catastrophic stampede that took the lives of more than 400 Iranian pilgrims.

'The Saudi police and hajj authorities have so far refused to cooperate with Iran on the issue,' he said.

Iran's national police tend to be professional, knowledge-based, strong, and ethical in fulfilling its missions, Ashtari said.

The deadly stampede took place on September 24 in Mina, also known as the Tent City, situated 5 kilometers to the east of the Holy city of Mecca.

The death toll from the overcrowding has been revised several times, ranging from 1,000 to 4,700.

With 464 pilgrims, Iran lost more people to the crush than any other country.



/257