Skip to content

Turkish MP reportedly detained in Saudi Arabia during Hajj pilgrimage

Turkish MP reportedly detained in Saudi Arabia during Hajj pilgrimage AK Party Istanbul MP Hasan Turan is reportedly detained by Saudi security forces during his Hajj pilgrimage, Mecca, Saudi Arabia, June 23, 2024.
By Newsroom
Jun 24, 2024 4:10 PM

According to allegations, during his pilgrimage to the Hajj, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Istanbul MP Hasan Turan was asked to forcibly remove the keffiyeh he was wearing around his neck while performing circumambulation at the Kaaba and then detained.

Turkish MP reportedly detained in Saudi Arabia during Hajj pilgrimage
Image of AK Party MP Turan allegedly wearing a keffiyeh during his Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, June 23, 2024.

Turan was reportedly detained by Saudi Arabian security forces for wearing a keffiyeh around his neck in support of Palestine in the Kaaba, where he was on pilgrimage.

However, after intensive negotiations by the Foreign Ministry, Turan was released after about 1.5 hours, according to reports.

Last Updated:  Jun 24, 2024 5:45 PM