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A person who allegedly helped an Israeli TV journalist illegally enter Islam’s holiest metropolis is dealing with prosecution
A Saudi Arabian man has been arrested for allegedly serving to a Jewish tv reporter from Israel enter Mecca in defiance of a ban on non-Muslims setting foot in Islam’s holiest metropolis.
The unidentified Saudi citizen was referred to prosecutors for “facilitating the entry of a non-Muslim journalist” into Mecca, native police introduced late Friday, as reported by the state-run Saudi Press Company. He’s accused of serving to veteran Israeli tv reporter Gil Tamary, who filmed himself visiting a key web site on the hajj pilgrimage route and posted the 10-minute video on social media earlier this week. The footage additionally aired on Israel’s Channel 13, stoking outrage amongst many Muslims.
“Stating that entry to Mecca is prohibited for non-Muslims and the wrongdoers might be handled legally, the Mecca police requested all guests who journey to Saudi Arabia to watch the legal guidelines of this nation, particularly the legal guidelines associated to the 2 holy shrines,” the Saudi company stated. “Ignoring these legal guidelines is unforgivable, and the wrongdoers might be handled critically.”
Tamary’s footage confirmed the reporter visiting Mount Arafat, the place Muslims collect to hope on the climax of the hajj every year. The location marks the situation the place the Prophet Muhammad delivered his closing sermon practically 1,400 years in the past.
Tamary, who spoke quietly in Hebrew to keep away from being heard by anybody round him, claimed to be the primary Israeli Jew to enter Mecca. The clip confirmed his Saudi driver go by an exit the place non-Muslims are prohibited from passing.
“The dream got here true,” Tamary stated on the video as his driver handed Mecca’s Grand Mosque. Carrying Western clothes and an Adidas hat, the clean-shaven reporter determined to go away after climbing Mount Arafat and being questioned by spiritual police who sought to verify that he was a Muslim.
Saudi police indicated that Tamary entered the dominion on a US passport. Saudi Arabia has no formal diplomatic relations with Israel. The controversy comes at a time when Riyadh is increasing ties with Israel. Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia agreed to open its airspace to overflights by all industrial air carriers, together with Israeli airways.
Tamary’s stunt drew on-line backlash, prompting him to apologize “if anybody takes offense.” The go to was meant to “showcase” the sweetness and significance of Mecca, he added in a Twitter publish. “Inquisitiveness is on the coronary heart and heart of journalism, and the sort of firsthand journalistic encounter is what separates good journalism from nice journalism.”
Critics, together with each Muslims and Jews, weren’t satisfied. “You disrespected your gracious hosts as a publicity stunt,” stated Avi Kaner, co-owner of the Morton Williams Supermarkets chain primarily based in New York. “You uncovered completely nothing. There’s a ton of footage accessible within the public area about Mecca. You had a possibility to make a correct apology however selected to defend your self as an alternative. Disgrace on you.”
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