Saudi Arabia: Iran wants role in hajj stampede investigation
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 25 September 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Saudi Arabia: Iran wants role in hajj stampede investigation, 25 September 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/561d04b915.html [accessed 30 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
September 25, 2015
Iran has demanded that it and the other affected countries be represented in the Saudi investigation into the hajj stampede that killed 717 pilgrims, including 131 Iranians on September 24.
"The Saudi government is responsible and must respond," said first Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri on September 25 after an extraordinary session of the cabinet.
"There is no question about the poor management" of the pilgrimage and the "inexperience of security personnel" on the ground at the time, he said.
Iran's state news agency IRNA quoted an official as saying that 365 Iranians are still unnacounted for.
Tehran summoned Riyadh's charge d'affaires to ask for help in repatriating the bodies of Iranian victims.
Based on reporting by AFP and IRNA
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
