Malaysiakini.com (http://www.malaysiakini.com)
Police arrest eight over Metro Tabernacle Church attack, 20 January 2010
by Christine Chan
11:30amThe police have detained eight people to facilitate investigations concerning the arson attack on the Metro Tabernacle Church in Kuala Lumpur.
Federal CID director Mohd Bakri Zinin told a press conference this afternoon that the arrests were made yesterday and this morning.
The first suspect was detained at a hospital in Kuala Lumpur when he sought treatment for burn marks on his chest and arm.
"This paved the way for the other arrests. The suspect is a 25-year- old working as a despatcher and was picked up yesterday at 3pm," said Bakri.
Subsequently, two brothers and their uncle were detained. The remainder were friends of the family group. Bakri said the suspects are aged between 21 and 26.
One of them also had burn injuries on his arm. They have all been remanded for seven days for further investigation.
"The suspects were arrested in the Klang Valley at various locations," said Bakri, adding that the last arrest was made at 7am today.
The case is being investigated under Section 436 of the Penal Code, which is causing 'mischief by fire or explosive substance with the intent to cause damage'.
Under the section, an offense is punishable with imprisonment of up to 20 years and a fine, if found guilty.
When asked if the eight detained are linked to the attacks on 10 other churches - which were pelted with Molotov cocktails, stones and paint - Bakri said that investigations are still in the early stages.
"We have yet to determine a connection with the other churches attacks or if they are linked with any organisations,” he said.
Bakri also told reporters that they have yet to establish the motives for the crimes. With the arrests, he said the police believe the case has been solved.
"We hope that there will be no more attacks. I'd like to thank the public for their cooperation in solving this case," he added.
The three-storey Metro Tabernacle church, part of the Assemblies of God movement, was set ablaze on Jan 8 in a firebombing that left its ground floor gutted.
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