Saudi authorities have arrested a man who claimed to have traveled to the Muslim holy city of Mecca for a pilgrimage in honor of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
A Yemeni man posted a video on social media on Monday from the Grand Mosque in Mecca, the holiest site for Muslims, which non-Muslims are barred from entering.
In the video, he carried the caption, “Umrah for the soul of Queen Elizabeth II, we ask God to accept her in the kingdom of heaven among the righteous.”
The footage quickly spread on Saudi social media and calls for his arrest quickly began. Saudi Arabia bans pilgrims in Mecca from holding signs and shouting slogans.
Although it is permitted to perform Umrah on behalf of deceased members of the Muslim faith, this does not apply to those who are not, including the Queen who was head of the Church of England, the main church of the world Anglican community.
“The security services of the Grand Mosque have arrested a Yemeni citizen who appeared in a video in which he holds an inscription inside the Grand Mosque, thus violating the rules and guidelines for Umrah.”
“He has been arrested, legal measures will be taken against him and he has been sent to the State Prosecutor’s Office”.
Umrah is a pilgrimage that can be done at any time, unlike Hajj which takes place once a year and usually attracts millions from all over the world.
Queen Elizabeth II died last Tuesday and her funeral is scheduled for September 19.