Egyptian journalist arrested in Makkah for criticizing gates names

In March 2023, Saudi authorities arrested Egyptian journalist Rania al-Assal while performing Umrah, due to a tweet on her Twitter account in which she criticized naming the gates of the Grand Mosque in Makkah after Saudi kings.

In a statement, the International Council Supporting Fair Trial and Human Rights condemned the arrest of Egyptian journalist and writer Rania Al-Assal. ICSFT called on the Egyptian authorities to seek all ways and means to release her. ICSFT also condemned Al-Assal arrest, describing the arrest as a crime and politicization of Islamic sanctities.