Swedish authorities apprehend Somali imam with ties to Islamic State, boosting national security
AX – The Swedish Security Service (Säpo) has officially announced the apprehension of a 60-year-old imam in Tyresö, located south of Stockholm, as a significant development in an ongoing terrorism probe that has captured attention. The imam, connected to the regional Islamic cultural group and its underground mosque, is under suspicion for playing an active role in a terrorist group, amidst growing worries about security within Sweden.
Originally from Somalia, the imam has deep roots in the Tyresö community, leading the mosque since the early 2000s and formerly holding a position as the cultural group’s chairman. His arrest comes in the wake of a series of raids that kicked off last month, leading to the detention of four younger individuals, including two siblings who had converted to Islam. These suspects are believed to have been plotting terrorist actions and engaging in severe weapons offenses, allegedly tied to the Islamic State in Somalia.
The most recent arrest unfolded during a morning operation on April 17, as part of a wider investigation initiated by Säpo in September of the previous year. As per TV4 Nyheterna, the imam was responsible for instructing children and teenagers about Islam at the mosque, a responsibility that now casts a shadow over his many years of service due to the terrorism allegations.
Isak Reichel, who heads the Authority for Support to Religious Communities, voiced strong apprehension about the consequences of the arrest. “The participation of an imam is particularly concerning and could shake public faith in government-funded religious groups,” he remarked. The mosque under scrutiny has been the recipient of substantial state funding, amounting to approximately half a million kroner since 2016, initially intended for organizational support but now facing scrutiny.
Community members were taken aback by news of the imam’s detention, finding it challenging to reconcile the accusations with the person they knew. “It’s difficult to comprehend,” said one member anonymously, “especially since these individuals were seen as kind and dedicated participants in our community events.”
The arrest comes as a part of a broader security issue in Sweden, with an escalating threat linked to Islamist extremism. Earlier this year, the country faced backlash over incidents involving Quran desecration, heightening tensions and prompting security services to heighten their vigilance. These occurrences coincide with Sweden’s transitioning role as a NATO member, departing from its long-established post-war neutrality in response to changing global threats.
While the investigation progresses, the Swedish Muslim Association has placed the mosque’s membership on hold, and Säpo has refrained from releasing further information, citing the ongoing nature of their inquiries. In the meantime, Lars Hedvall of the National Security Unit revealed that the imam refutes all accusations, though his legal representative has yet to issue a public statement.
The community and its leaders are now confronted with the task of confronting the consequences of these happenings, working to preserve unity and faith amidst unprecedented scrutiny and unease.
