According to the official spokesman for the Makkah region police, a Saudi citizen has been referred to the Public Prosecution for allegedly facilitating the entry of a non-Muslim journalist into the holy city.

Saudi Press Agency (SPA) carried a statement detailing the incident in which a Muslim citizen transported an American journalist to Makkah.

As a result, he said, non-Muslims cannot enter the holy precincts as per regulations. Legal action was taken against the citizen after he was arrested.

All visitors to the Kingdom are expected to respect and abide by the regulations, especially when it comes to the Holy Mosques and sacred sites.

Violations of this kind will not be tolerated, and appropriate penalties will be applied to perpetrators according to applicable regulations," he said.

The case of the American journalist involved in the crime has also been referred to the Public Prosecution for appropriate action.