Six Iranian journalists expelled from Saudi Arabia

TEHRAN: Saudi Arabia has expelled six Iranian journalists after they were arrested at a pilgrimage site, Iranian state media reported on Wednesday, adding that the reason remains unknown.

“They were arrested on Tuesday last week while recording the recitation of the Holy Quran in The Prophet´s Mosque in Madina,” state television said.

“After being questioned for several hours they were taken to the Central Police Detention Centre in Medina with no reason being given,” it added.

Saudi Arabia, a long-time regional rival of Iran, has not publicly commented on the reported arrests and expulsions.

“We still do not know the exact causes of this issue,” state television chief Peyman Jebelli told the broadcaster from Tehran´s Imam Khomeini airport where he met the journalists on their return to Iran.