BBC: Angry scenes have been reported at Cairo airport as security forces barred Muslim pilgrims from travelling to Mecca because of fears over swine flu.
Hundreds staged a sit-in on Sunday when the Egyptian authorities implemented a plan to prevent anyone over 65 and under 25 from travelling to Mecca.
Another 180-200 belonging to the banned age groups were held back on Monday.
The curbs could affect large numbers of old people, some of whom expend great efforts to visit Mecca before dying.
An airport official said about 15% of would-be passengers to the Muslim holy city had been turned back on Monday.
"The people banned from leaving are those over 65 and those under 25 because they are the most at risk of being contaminated by swine flu," the official added. >>> | Monday, August 17, 2009
