Iran’s top prosecutor vows to sue Saudi rulers in international courts over hajj disaster

TEHRAN, Iran – Iran’s state prosecutor says he will pursue legal action against Saudi Arabia’s rulers in international courts over the crush of pilgrims at this year’s hajj, which killed more than 700 people, including 136 Iranians.

Ebrahim Raisi, speaking on state TV Saturday, called the disaster “a crime” subject to prosecution. He said Saudi authorities blocked a road used by hajj pilgrims to allow a royal convoy to pass through, causing the deadly convergence of two waves of pilgrims going in opposite directions.

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READ MORE: Canadian Muslims call for more government intervention after tragedy in Mecca

At least 719 pilgrims suffocated or were trampled to death. Iranians comprise the largest group of casualties identified so far.

Iranian state TV says Ghazanfar Roknabadi, a former ambassador to Lebanon, as well as two Iranian state TV reporters and a prominent political analyst are among those still missing.