Swedish law enforcement announced on Tuesday their launch of a thorough investigation into whether an intense fire that engulfed a mosque, reducing it to ruins, on the previous day in central Sweden was a result of deliberate arson.
In a statement posted on their official website, the police declared, “The inquiry into the fire is ongoing. Law enforcement officers will be interviewing witnesses and ascertaining the presence of security cameras in the vicinity.”
The devastating fire erupted on Monday at approximately noon in Eskilstuna, a town with a population of 108,000 situated 150 kilometers (93 miles) west of Stockholm. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident, according to a police spokesperson speaking to AFP.
As of now, the police have not identified any suspects, and no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
Anas Deneche, a spokesperson for the mosque, expressed his sorrow, revealing, “The mosque has been almost entirely obliterated, with nothing left to salvage.” Deneche also disclosed that the mosque had been subjected to numerous acts of violence over the past year, including threats against his family.
However, Deneche underscored that it was premature to draw definitive conclusions regarding the cause of the fire, emphasizing the importance of awaiting the results of the ongoing police investigation.
The police stated that they are actively pursuing multiple leads in their inquiry, but refrained from providing further particulars at this stage.
Eskilstuna is home to between 15,000 and 20,000 Muslims, underlining the significance of this incident within the community.
The mosque blaze coincides with a series of highly disturbing incidents involving the public desecration of the Holy Quran in Sweden over the past several months. These burnings have provoked widespread indignation and condemnation, both domestically and internationally, particularly in Muslim-majority nations.
While the Swedish government has unequivocally condemned these acts of desecration, it has also affirmed its commitment to upholding freedom of speech and assembly in accordance with existing laws.
Nevertheless, the government has conveyed its intent to explore legal avenues to curtail protests involving the desecration of sacred texts in specific circumstances. Public sentiment appears divided on this issue, with a significant segment of the population opposing such changes.
By AFP
