(WASHINGTON DC - February 25, 2009) The Islamic Information Center is alarmed by reports from the Islamic Holy city of Medina, Saudi Arabia, of attacks by Police agencies on Shi'ite pilgrims resulting in four deaths.  Recently, a group of Shi'ite women were gathered outside the gates of Baqi Cemetery, which houses the Prophet's family and companions, on a pilgrimage commemorating the anniversary of the Prophet's death. According to Saudi law, which is not based upon authentic Islamic teachings, women are not allowed to visit gravesides. Therefore, any women wishing to visit graves are allowed only to approach the gates to the cemetery, and even then in restricted scenarios.


During this pilgrimage ceremony, Saudi Police forces began filming the women from nearby rooftops, in violation of both Islamic custom and Saudi Law. As they continued filming, the women protested the behavior, only to have the police shout derogatory slurs in response. The women  responded by throwing one shoe in the vicinity of the police, which caused the police to erupt into violence against the female pilgrims.

The reaction by the Saudi police included reports of at least four pilgrims being killed.  At least five others captured on tape were later arrested after they protested the attacks on women pilgrims. Injured pilgrims were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment, but were arrested by police on their hospital beds and taken to area jails.

In response to international outcry, the governor of Medina intervened, sending government officials to visit a few of the injured Shia children in hospitals. An investigation has supposedly begun resulting in arrests of individuals using weapons to attack pilgrims.

The Islamic Information Center is concerned about the safety of the pilgrims, strongly condemns the handling of the incident by Saudi security forces, and asks for swift justice for the victims of these heinous crimes. Please write to your state representatives requesting immediate action.