MAKKAH – A number of residents accused the local municipality of helping a citizen to violate the sanctity of the historic Al-Shuhada Cemetery in Makkah, Al-Madinah newspaper reported. The man allegedly built a fence around a part of the cemetery and locked it despite the fact all residents of the neighborhood know the cemetery's exact location and borders. Many people of the area have relatives buried in the cemetery. According to what residents said, the municipality has paved the way for this abuse and worked to deceive citizens. They said people were shocked at the municipality's collusion with the violator. Mohammed Mansour Al-Salami said two of his sisters have been buried in the cemetery. He said all people of the neighborhood know the boundaries of the cemetery, but they were surprised by the citizen's actions that disturb the sanctity of the dead. "We call for an investigation by the Municipality of Makkah," he said. According to Sheikh Yahya Mohammed Al-Sharif, imam and preacher at Asaad Bin Jirarah Mosque, the cemetery is more than 1,400 years old and many companions and followers of the Prophet (peace be upon him) have been buried there. "I'm surprised at the actions of this individual. I call on the responsible authorities to put an end to this violation," he said. He said the cemetery was also the subject of many scientific studies by researchers who recorded the history of Makkah. Haj and Umrah pilgrims who flock to the holy city visit the cemetery to pray for the companions of the Prophet (pbuh) buried there. Osama Bin Abdullah Al-Zaytuni, director of information at the municipality, said citizens can lodge a formal complaint with the mayor of Makkah to investigate the matter and in the event the citizen is proven guilty, he will be compelled to remove the fence immediately.
