Dozens of Egyptian protestors descended upon the Saudi Arabian embassy in Giza today to protest the poor treatment that illegally detained Egyptian pilgrims received at the Jeddah Airport. Saudi Arabian Airlines cancelled flights to Cairo, stranding Egyptian nationals headed back to Egypt after finishing their pilgrimages in the holy cities in Saudi Arabia. Some Egyptian passengers were forced to stay in the King Abdel Aziz Airport for four days, and many passengers lost their bags. Protestors reported that pilgrims suffered confusion and frustration at the Jeddah Airport and were victims of harassment and insult. Protestors also claim that indignity was suffered because of delayed flights and lost baggage. A statement of protest was issued to Saudi Arabian ambassador Ahmed Abdel Aziz Katan. The ambassador's initial statement placed full responsibility on Egyptian pilgrims and ignored the investigative committee, the protestors claim. Egyptians could not find an official at the Jeddah airport to discuss the problems or try to negotiate a solution to the crisis, protestors said, adding that the airline issued a statement blaming Egyptian pilgrims. The protestors' statement also asked for compensation and further scrutiny over contracts with travel and tourism operators. The protestors also demanded that detained, uncharged Egyptians be released from Saudi Arabia. “My brother Mohamed Mishael, an engineer, was arrested at the airport without knowing the charges against him and was unable to reach his relatives,” said Ayaman Mishael, one of the protestors.
