Brazilian government regrets tragedy in Mecca

In a note, the Ministry of Foreign Relations offered "condolences to

Ana Cristina Campos reports from Agência Brasil

Published on 24/09/2015 - 16:11

Brasília

Tumulto causa mortes em peregrinação a Meca — © EPA/Defesa Civil da Arábia Saudita/Agência Lusa/Direitos Reservados

Peregrinação a Meca — Pilgrims in MeccaEPA/Amel Pain/Agência Lusa/Direitos Reservados

Brazil regretted the death of 717 people in Mina near Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, and the 805 injured people after a stampede on Thursday (Sep. 24) during a ritual celebration of the annual Muslim pilgrimage.

"The Brazilian government expresses its deep sorrow at the tragedy that killed today hundreds of pilgrims during the Hajj celebrations in Mecca, and offers its sincere condolences to the victims' families, the government and the Saudi people and sympathizes with the Muslim community around the world," read the note from the Ministry of Foreign Relations.

The Hajj ritual is one of the five pillars of Islam and every adult Muslim must undertake the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their life.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Relations, Brazil's Embassy in Riyadh has no record of Brazilian victims so far.

Translated by Amarílis Anchieta

Fonte: Brazilian government regrets tragedy in Mecca