Yemeni Man Arrested By Saudi Cops After Mecca Pilgrimage For Queen Elizabeth II

Dubai: A Yemeni man has been arrested by Saudi Arabia police as he paid tribute to the memory of Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away recently.

Though the pilgrim is yet to be identified, a video clip showing him holding a banner honouring the late queen from inside the courtyard of Mecca’s Grand Mosque had sparked row.

The clip quickly spread online, sparking outrage among devout Muslims and leading to the man’s arrest on Monday for “violating the regulations and instructions” of the holy site. Security forces referred him to the public prosecutor to face charges.

“Umrah for the soul of Queen Elizabeth II, may Allah grant her peace in heaven and accept her among the righteous,” the banner read in English and Arabic.

The Grand Mosque, among the holiest sites in Islam, is off-limits to non-Muslims. Saudi Arabia also bans signs and political slogans from the sacred courtyard for fear of offending Islamic sensibilities. Queen Elizabeth, who died last week, was head of the Church of England.