Man arrested in connection with Imam Ali Mosque fire in Yarfala

Stockholm police have announced that a man has been arrested in connection with the fire at the Imam Ali Mosque and Islamic Center in Järfälla.

Police spokesman Lars Bystron told Swedish Radio that the man was initially taken to the police for questioning. After questioning, the prosecutor issued a temporary detention order for him at 15:08 on Monday.

In the footage from the mosque's security cameras, a suspicious person is seen wandering around the mosque.

No information has been released on the identity of the arrested person or their motive. Pais said that since the investigation into the case is at a "sensitive" stage, no further information will be released at this time.

Severe fire breaks out at Imam Ali Mosque and Islamic Center in Yarfala

Stockholmers – The Imam Ali Islamic Center in Yrfala, the largest Shiite mosque in Stockholm and Sweden, was engulfed in a massive fire late Sunday. Rescue workers and a large number of firefighters were still trying to contain the fire until the early hours of Monday morning. 30 to 35 firefighters were called to the scene to control and extinguish the blaze.

According to eyewitnesses and the head of the rescue team, Mikael Lund, the fire started in one of the wooden walls on the outside of the building.

The fire alarm was received by rescue workers at 14:14 on Sunday night. According to the Aftonbladet newspaper, assessments indicate that the fire was intentional and the Security Police (SPO) has been informed. No other information has been released by the authorities.

Tobias Okesson from the Stockholm Fire Department told S&T that the fire was severe and extensive, and that flames were already shooting through the roof of the building when firefighters arrived.

No information was available on possible casualties in the fire. As of 10:00 p.m. Sunday, a number of people were in the mosque for a religious holiday, and most had left when the fire was discovered at 1:14 p.m. Four people were in the building preparing for a religious holiday the following day when the fire broke out.

According to S&T, there are about 3,000 books in the library section of this center, which is considered the largest Shiite mosque in Stockholm and Sweden. Rescue workers were unable to enter the building to accurately assess the damage due to heavy smoke. The mosque and Islamic center is located in a large building with an area of ​​3,500 square meters, and it was not easy to detect a fire in part of it at first.

A spokesman for the mosque told the S&T reporter:

– Our initial estimate is that about 30 to 50 percent of the building was damaged, that's what we know right now.

A number of members of this mosque and large Shiite Islamic center came to the scene following the fire.

A spokesman for the mosque told SWAT:

– We are very sorry. This is the largest Shiite mosque in Stockholm, with thousands of members. Dozens of people have come to the site right now. They are very worried. I feel very worried and full of stress and regret.

Tobias Okeson from the Stockholm Relief Center said regarding the damage to Sött:

– The mosque has been damaged by both the fire and the resulting soot, as well as water, and at least another three hours are needed to fully control the fire.

The Imam Ali Mosque and Islamic Center in Stockholm also welcomes a large number of Iranians living in Stockholm and Sweden by performing religious affairs related to marriage and divorce. Official registration of marriage and divorce in the Iranian personal registration system is possible only after performing the religious part.

Source: Stockholmians