Saudi Arabian authorities have arrested a man who traveled to Mecca to perform the Umrah pilgrimage on behalf of Queen Elizabeth.
The incident came to light when The Yemeni national posted a video of himself on Monday on social media from Mecca. In the clip, he held up a banner saying: “Umrah for the soul of Queen Elizabeth II, we ask God to accept her in heaven and among the righteous.”
Although it is permitted to perform Umrah on behalf of deceased people, Saudi Arabia strictly prohibits the use of banners or chanting slogans in Mecca.
Saudi Arabia prohibits raising any political or sectarian slogans or banners while performing Umrah or Hajj.
The statement from the security agency said, “The Special Force for the Security of the Grand Mosque arrested a person who appeared in a video clip carrying a sign inside the Grand Mosque.”
The Yemeni national had violated the regulations and instructions for Umrah and therefore was arrested by the security of the Grand Mosque of Mecca, Saudi Security Agency added.
It is planned that the queen will be buried on September 19th at Westminster Abbey, following her death on Thursday.