Turkish family stranded in Saudi Arabia after Kaaba dispute

A Turkish family of four has been unable to return to Turkey for eight months following a legal dispute in Saudi Arabia. The Ünlüce family traveled to Mecca for Umrah in February, but an incident occurred on their 24th day at the Kaaba.

The conflict reportedly began when a police officer stepped on the family's prayer rugs during morning prayers. A verbal argument escalated into a physical altercation, leading to the family's detention. While the officer alleged they used violence against him, family member Serdar Ünlüce maintains he only acted to protect his mother. He stated, “I swear there was no hitting the police. I only held him with my right hand out of a reflex to protect my mother.”

Following the incident, family members Havva Ünlüce, Semra Karakaya, and Hediye Ünlüce Sırakaya were detained for four days, while Serdar Ünlüce was held for 48 days. Although released pending trial, a travel ban was imposed on the family. After five court appearances, Serdar Ünlüce received a five-month prison sentence, while the mother and two daughters received three-month sentences. The family is currently awaiting a final decision from the appeals court.