Saudi Arabia has released Iranian cleric Gholamreza Ghasemian following his arrest in Mecca over remarks criticizing the kingdom's social reforms during the Hajj pilgrimage.
Ghasemian was detained on Monday after a video of him making inflammatory accusations went viral. Dressed in traditional white pilgrimage attire, the cleric condemned recent changes in Saudi Arabia, describing the Qibla—the direction Muslims face in prayer—as being turned into "a place for gambling houses, centres of debauchery, and obscene concerts." These comments were perceived as a veiled attack on the reforms introduced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Following diplomatic efforts by Iranian authorities, ISNA reported that Saudi officials released Ghasemian on Thursday, and he is now returning to Iran.
The incident heightened tensions between the two countries. Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, condemned any actions undermining Muslim unity during the sacred Hajj, emphasizing Iran’s commitment to maintaining neighborly relations with Saudi Arabia. Speaking personally, Iranian judiciary spokesman Asghar Jahangir labeled the arrest as "unjustified and unlawful."
In response to the controversy, Saudi Arabia reportedly suspended the issuance of Hajj visas for Iranian pilgrims, significantly impacting this year's pilgrimage participation from Iran.
