Saudi Arabia to install surveillance cameras in all major mosques

MANAMA: Saudi Arabia has unveiled plans to install surveillance cameras in key mosques throughout the kingdom, following recent terror attacks at a mosque.

The project is being completed by The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance. The move is expected to strengthen security arrangements and ensure safety in all important mosques in the region.

After all major mosques are listed, cameras will be installed outside as well as inside the mosques to get maximum coverage of the space, providing all-out security and ensuring the safety of the worshippers reports Saudi daily Okaz, especially on Fridays when the mosques receive worshippers in large numbers.

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The decision was made after two fatal attacks on mosques in the region recently, which were carried out by suicide bombers during Friday prayers in an attempt to cause the highest number of casualties.

The official Saudi Press Agency, citing an interior ministry spokesperson, said the suicide bomber disguised in women’s clothing detonated his device at the mosque’s entrance. “Authorities have managed to foil a terrorist crime targeting people performing the Friday prayers at Al-Anoud mosque in Dammam,” he said.

Amnesty International said in a statement that immediate steps should be taken to enhance the security in the Easter province especially and to put an end to the discrimination faced by the Shia community.

Read: Saudi Shias bury bomb victims amid fears of more attacks

Most of Saudi Arabia’s Shia minorities live in the wealthy east, but they have extensive complaints marginalisation.

The article originally appeared on GulfNews.