23.10.2026 11:20
In the case in which two Bangladeshi national cleaning workers who committed an inappropriate act violating the sanctity of the holy site in Masjid al-Haram were executed, the claims of a "kissing married couple" turned out to be unfounded. There is an intrigue behind the incident that would not be out of place in films. Here is the behind-the-scenes story of the matter...
The background and trial process of the allegations claimed to have occurred in Masjid al-Haram and spread in public as "A married couple who went for Umrah was executed just because they kissed" have become clear. A verdict has been issued in the case where two Bangladeshi nationals working as cleaning staff in the holy site were tried on the grounds of committing an immoral act, and the person who secretly recorded the incident was tried for blackmail. As a result of the trial, 2 people were executed, while the person who filmed the video was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
SCANDAL IN THE HOLY SITE
According to the information obtained, an emotional closeness began between Bangladeshi nationals Nazrul Islam and Siti Akhtar, who served as cleaning personnel at Masjid al-Haram. It was determined that the two individuals engaged in inappropriate conduct in May 2023 in an isolated area between the doors inside Masjid al-Haram.
HE RECORDED THOSE MOMENTS
Another employee, an Indian national whom they had agreed with to stand guard during the incident, secretly recorded the situation with a mobile phone. The person, who later tried to use the footage as an element of blackmail against the woman, disseminated the video after being rejected. Upon the spread of the footage and the incident being referred to the authorities, all 3 suspects were detained in August 2023.
THE CLAIMS "THEY ONLY KISSED AND THEY WERE MARRIED" WERE DENIED
It was reported that the claims that came to the agenda after the incident, that "a married couple who came for Umrah was punished just because they kissed," did not reflect the truth. According to the information entered into the trial file, it was recorded that the individuals were in the country as workers, were not married, and severely violated the sanctity of Masjid al-Haram.
THE COURT ISSUED A DEATH SENTENCE ON THE GROUNDS OF 'DETERRENCE'
As a result of the trial conducted by the Saudi Arabian judicial authorities and lasting approximately 3.5 years, the higher court announced its final decision. Based on the severe violation of the sanctity, respect, and honor of Masjid al-Haram, the court sentenced two Bangladeshi defendants to death in order to set a precedent and serve as a deterrent. The Indian national who secretly filmed and disseminated the video through blackmail was sentenced to 20 years in prison.