A man on Monday tried to set himself alight with gasoline beside the Holy Kaaba inside the Grand Mosque, police in Saudi Arabia said.

However, the man was arrested before he could act on it, the police added. The man was in his 40s, it was confirmed.

"His actions suggest that he is mentally unwell," the mosque's police service said in a statement.

Though it did not elaborate, the police said it would take measures to address the incident.

A video clip circulating on social media shows a man being hustled away from the Kaaba by pilgrims and security guards. Reuters was not able to verify the footage.

Opinion

Editorial

Failed martial law
Updated 05 Dec, 2024

Failed martial law

Appetite for non-democratic systems of governance appears to be shrinking rapidly. Perhaps more countries are now realising the futility of rule by force.
Holding the key
05 Dec, 2024

Holding the key

IN the view of one learned judge of the Supreme Court’s recently formed constitutional bench, parliament holds the...
New low
05 Dec, 2024

New low

WHERE does one go from here? In the latest blow to women’s rights in Afghanistan, the Taliban regime has barred...
Online oppression
Updated 04 Dec, 2024

Online oppression

Plan to bring changes to Peca is simply another attempt to suffocate dissent. It shows how the state continues to prioritise control over real cybersecurity concerns.
The right call
04 Dec, 2024

The right call

AMIDST the ongoing tussle between the federal government and the main opposition party, several critical issues...
Acting cautiously
04 Dec, 2024

Acting cautiously

IT appears too big a temptation to ignore. The wider expectations for a steeper reduction in the borrowing costs...