Un-Islamic 50 Saudis arrested in Makkah

Suspects detained during a Ramadan crackdown in Makkah

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia Tuesday arrested 50 young men for sporting haircuts, necklaces and other adornments considered un-Islamic in the orthodox country.

The suspects were detained during a Ramadan crackdown in Makkah, Islam’s holiest site, according to Saudi news website Sabq.

Officers noticed “a number of offences like strange haircuts, chains that are hung upon the chest or arms, head wraps and short clothes and immodest ones — for both men and women,” reported Sabq, which is close to the authorities. The law enforcement team, which included women, advised citizens against “habits and traditions that are against religious teachings”.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 22^nd, 2016.