MAKKAH, 16 March 2006 — Municipal inspectors in Makkah have increased the frequency of raids in the past month in a drive to sweep illegal hawkers off the streets of the holy city, Al-Jazirah newspaper reported. Illegal peddlers hinder traffic especially in the central area of Makkah and it negatively affects the civilized look of the holy city. City officials said 407 Saudis and 669 expatriates were detained. They included 125 undocumented migrants who were handed over to the Passport Department for deportation.
Mentally Ill Assaults School Janitor
TAIF — A man deemed to be mentally ill assaulted a 50-year-old school janitor, Al-Jazirah reported. The janitor was taken to King Faisal Hospital with serious injuries. The janitor, Alyan Al-Muwallad, caught the man trying to break into the school. A fight broke out between them and the janitor suffered injuries to his eyes. Police detained the perpetrator and doctors are determining the man’s mental state for the purpose of arraignment.
Expat Magician Detained in Taif
TAIF — Citizens reported a Pakistani juggler to drug officials and the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, Al-Jazirah newspaper reported. Police watched him for a while and then arrested him in his residence. During a search of the residence, authorities found talismans, tree leaves, a large number of insects, rosaries and rings the juggler allegedly used in his magic. The authorities found some money in his possession that he earned by casting spells and performing.
— Compiled by Hassnaa Mukhtar
