Saudi withdrew passports of Shia citizens

Saudi authorities withdrew passports of tens of Shia citizens coming from visiting the holy shrines in Iraq. Sources informed Rasid that about 50 Shia citizens coming from Iraq via Bahrain were harshly treated at passport check point on King Fahad Causeway. Security authorities withdrew all passports of Shia citizens from Safwa, North to Qatif,  and requested them to follow up on their passports with General Intelligence Administration in Qatif. In addition, customs officers confiscated belongings of Shia citizens that carry special spiritual symbolism which are brought to their beloved ones as gifts. Customs officers deliberately threw these gifts into the trash. Saudi Shia citizens are often visit the holy shrines in Iraq, Syria, Iran and Madinah despite of the official ban. 21.12.2009