The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor has called on the International Association for Religious Freedom to ensure that Saudi Arabia does not use the fifth pillar of Islam Haj “pilgrimage” to achieve political gains through the religious freedom of the people of Qatar.
This came in an address to the International Society for Religious Freedom, in which it drew attention to the measures taken by Saudi Arabia against the pilgrims of Qatar.
The rights monitor noted that after the outbreak of the Gulf crisis and the siege imposed on Qatar, pilgrims from Qatar are facing restrictions affecting their ability to perform this duty.
It pointed out that Saudi Arabia confirmed that Qatari pilgrims can enter its territories to perform Haj only through two airports and that they should travel through Doha only.
It warned that this would be difficult for some who do not live in Doha, such as those who work or study abroad, noting that Saudi Arabia identified some individuals who said they would be denied entry regardless of their way of travel to its territories.

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