Sweden Detains Norwegian Man Over Mosque Arson, Hate Crime
Swedish authorities have arrested a 20-year-old Norwegian man in connection with an attempted arson attack on a mosque in Uddevalla, western Sweden.
The suspect, who is accused of pouring flammable liquid at the mosque while worshippers were inside, was taken into custody three days after the March 28 incident. Prosecutors are treating the case as both arson and a hate crime.
Prosecutor Marie Andersson said formal charges have been filed and confirmed that the suspect, who has admitted to the attack, is a known admirer of Nazi ideology.
“Images of Nazi propaganda and addresses of Muslim and Jewish religious sites were found on the suspect’s mobile phone,” Andersson said.
The fire was extinguished swiftly by those present at the mosque, preventing serious damage or injuries. The suspect remains in custody pending trial.
