Iranian protesters take to the streets to blame Saudi 'incompetence' for causing the Hajj stampede which killed 719 pilgrims

 

Thousands of Iranian protesters took to the streets today to denounce the 'incompetence' of Saudi Arabia's handling of the Hajj pilgrimage where more than 719 people were killed in a stampede.

The horrific crush, which also left hundreds wounded, happened when two giant waves of Muslims collided at an intersection near a holy site in Mina. 

Saudi health Minister Khaled al-Falih blamed victims for the disaster for failing to follow instructions, adding: 'This type of accident could have been avoided. However, this is God's will.' 

But pilgrims and Muslim groups hit back angrily at the claims, accusing Saudi officials of closing two key roads so dignitaries could reach a palace. 

Regional rival Iran also expressed outrage at the deaths of 131 of its nationals, with politicians in Tehran suggesting that Saudi capital Riyadh was ‘incapable’ of managing the event

Bodies of hundreds of dead and injured pilgrims lie strewn across the floor after they were caught up in a horrific stampede in Saudi Arabia 

 

 

 

Iranian protesters march in Tehran today to denounce the 'incompetence' of Saudi Arabia's handling of the Hajj pilgrimage 

 

An Iranian protestor holds a picture of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a demonstration against Saudi Arabia after 131 Iranians pilgrims were killed in a stampede at the annual Hajj  

 

Iranian protesters shout slogans and hold anti-US signs during a demonstration against Saudi Arabia at Enghelab square in Tehran after 131 Iranian pilgrims were killed in a stampede at the annual Hajj.