Yamani says Hajj deaths caused by negligence

13 January 2006

Saudi officials have denied that the authorities could have done more to prevent a stampede during the Hajj pilgrimage in which at least 360 people died. But Dr Mai Yamani said that there is 'no doubt that poor administration and negligence is to blame for the deaths, which occur each year.'

Dr Yamani, who has been a Hajj pilgrim on nine occasions, said that 'Mecca is the cradle of Islam and a place where all Muslims are supposed to be equal. Yet the annual event is laced with inequality - based on income, race, sect, and geography.'

Dr Yamani today called for an international Muslim-led investigation into these recurring incidents.

Notes for editors:

Interview bids: Mai Yamani +44 (0) 7970 085 723

Dr Mai Yamani is Research Fellow, Chatham House and author of 'Cradle of Islam' (IB Tauris, 2004).

Press Office: Sam Hardy +44 (0) 20 7957 5739

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