Saudi Arabia announces steep fines for hajj trespassers
Fines of 10,000 riyals will be issued to anyone entering the holy sites without a permit.
As Saudi Arabia grapples with how to host the hajj amid the coronavirus pandemic, the kingdom announced anyone entering the holy sites without a permit will be fined.
The Ministry of Interior said fines of 10,000 riyals ($2,666) will be issued to those who trespass onto the hajj sites of Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat, Arab News reported Monday. Repeat offenders will be fined twice as much.
One of the five key pillars of Islam, hajj is required of all Muslims who are able to make the journey to the holy city of Mecca at least once in their lives. The yearly pilgrimage typically draws some 2 million people from around the world.
The Saudi government announced last week that only 1,000 people would be permitted to attend the weeklong ritual this year, which is expected to begin July 28.
