Two TRT World reporters briefly detained during Turkish FM’s visit to Saudi Arabia

Uğur Ergan - ANKARA

Two reporters working for state-broadcaster TRT World were briefly detained in Saudi Arabia during Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu’s visit to the country.

The reporters identified as Pakistani citizen Hasan Abdullah and cameraman Nihat Yayman were detained at the hotel they were staying in Mecca where they were reporting on the minister’s visit.

They were held under detention for 10 hours and released after Çavuşoğlu briefed the Saudi king about their situation.

On their way back to the country,  Abdullah said they had been questioned about Qatar.

He also thanked Çavuşoğlu and consulate staff for their efforts on the release.

Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain broke off relations with Qatar on June 5, accusing it of supporting "terrorism".