Saudi Arabia: Decomposed Body of 2010 Hajj Pilgrim Found Behind Mosque
The decomposed body of a man who took part in the holy pilgrimage to Mecca in 2010 has been found behind a mosque in Saudi Arabia.
The corpse was discovered by a worker in Muzdalifah, an open area near Mecca.
Forensics officers found a bracelet next to the body, indicating the man was a pilgrim who went to Mecca for Hajj, the holy pilgrimage, four years ago.
"While inspecting the body, we found a wristband, which is usually given to Hajis for identification purposes," Col. Aati al-Qurashi, Mecca police spokesman, said.
He added that investigations to find the man's identity are ongoing.
The bracelet also included the name of the Hajj guide with whom the pilgrim was registered.
Al-Qurashi explained that investigators believe the pilgrim died on Muzdalifah mountain four years ago and that his body fell to the valley following heavy rains in recent days.
The corpse was transported to the King Faisal Hospital morgue in Shisha, pending the result of the investigations.
What is Hajj?
Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca and one of the most important events for Muslims around the world.
The event attracts millions of Muslims from all over the world. It occurs from the 8th to 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar, and is one of the biggest gatherings worldwide.
At the end of Hajj, it is customary for people to sacrifice animals to celebrate Eid Al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice.
Reports of the body emerged as Col. Fareeh Al-Hamzi, commander of Al-Aziziyah Police support forces, said the crime rate in the Holy Sites of the pilgrimage declined significantly compared to last year.
This year, some people caught while selling fake coupons for sacrificial meat were arrested by the authorities.
Officers also detained fake Hajj service providers and thieves.
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