Saudi Arabia announced on Friday that it was referring to the judiciary the case of a non-Muslim journalist being allowed entry to the holy city of Makkah and following paths reserved to Muslim worshippers.
A Makkah Region police spokesman said a Saudi citizen has been referred to the general prosecution for transporting and facilitating the entry of the American journalist to Makkah in violation of laws that explicitly prohibit the entry of non-Muslims to Makkah.
The citizen has since been arrested and legal proceedings have been taken against him.
The spokesman called on all visitors of the Kingdom to respect the regulations and laws, especially when it comes to the two holy mosques and holy sites.
He stressed that any violations are deemed a crime and no leniency will be shown to offenders.
The penalties in place will be carried out against them in line with the regulations.
