Cops accused of molesting pilgrims being investigated

Authorities said on Tuesday they are taking legal action against two police officers accused of sexually assaulting a pair of Iranian male pilgrims. The alleged incident had angered Tehran, which suspended Umrah pilgrimages on Monday.
Proceedings began after allegations of “sexual harassment against two teenage Iranian victims” at Jeddah airport surfaced, an Interior Ministry spokesman said.
The suspects have been referred to an investigation and necessary procedures will be followed, the spokesman said, adding that Iran’s ambassador has been informed of the development.
Iran's culture minister said on Monday that his country has suspended pilgrimages to holy places in the Kingdom “until the criminals are tried and punished.”
Iranian media reported that the incident occurred as the duo prepared to return home after performing Umrah late in March. About 500,000 Iranians perform Umrah annually.
The spokesman said the Kingdom's Shariah legal system “will ensure the strictest penalties for perpetrators of these types of crimes, which are condemned by all sections of Saudi society.”