Iran's Hajj Organization Chief Criticizes Lack of Sentence Announcement for Two Saudi Officers

The head of Iran's Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization criticized the failure to announce the sentence for two Saudi police officers who were convicted of 'sexual assault' against two Iranian teenagers. Saeed Ohadi, the head of the organization, stated in an interview with Tasnim news agency on Sunday, April 8, that 'it was supposed that after the announcement of the sentence, details would be provided to our officials, but this has not yet been announced.' He further mentioned, 'According to our consulate's announcement in Saudi Arabia and before the severing of relations with this country, we heard that their sentence had been determined in court and it was supposed to be sent to the Saudi Ministry of Interior and then communicated to the Iranian Foreign Ministry.' Ohadi expressed concern over Saudi Arabia's delay in executing the sentence, questioning its approach. He concluded by stating, 'Saudi officials must be accountable for the execution of this sentence and the un-Islamic and inhumane behavior of these two errant police officers, as this conduct is an insult to all pilgrims.' On April 17 of last year, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister reported that during the second week of the Nowruz holidays, while inspecting an Iranian Umrah caravan, Jeddah airport officials separated two Iranian teenagers under the pretext of suspicion and subjected them to sexual harassment. The announcement of this incident heightened tensions between the two countries and even led to the suspension of Umrah trips from Iran. In this context, Hassan Qashqavi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular, Parliamentary, and Iranian Affairs, stated that 'Iran's strong protest against this heinous act' was presented to the Saudi chargé d'affaires, and 'we are waiting for Riyadh's response to these individuals and the imposition of severe punishment on them.' Qashqavi noted that 'the Saudi side expressed deep regret over this despicable incident and promised that the matter would be pursued at the highest level by its officials and that strict action would be taken against the offenders.' In this regard, Mehdi Davatgari, head of the National Demands Committee of Parliament, explained on April 17 last year that 'Saudi officials, during the body search of passengers, directed the two Iranian teenagers, aged 14 and 15, to the female inspection room under the pretext that they were suspicious and the gate alarm went off, and unfortunately, they were disrespected.' He added in an interview with the Young Journalists Club, 'Based on the information we have, it seems that due to the protests and noise from these teenagers, the officers were unable to fully carry out their heinous act.' Additionally, Marzieh Afkham, former spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, stated on Wednesday, April 19 last year, 'According to information provided by our consulate in Jeddah, Saudi officials have initiated a case against those accused of sexually assaulting the two Iranian teenagers in that country.' In this context, Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi, a Shia cleric, also remarked that 'the Jeddah incident should not have been publicized,' questioning, 'Is it necessary to go on a recommended pilgrimage and hear every insult to perform a recommended act?' Following the news of the sexual assault on the two Iranian teenagers at Jeddah airport, some Iranian parliament members began collecting signatures for an urgent proposal to 'suspend Umrah travel' until further notice.