Police arrest eight over Metro Tabernacle Church attack

The 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 carried out yesterday and this morning.

The first suspect was detained at a hospital in Kuala Lumpur when he went to seek treatment for burn marks on his chest and arm. This paved the way for the other arrests.

Among those detained were two brothers and their uncle. The remainders were friends of the family group.

The suspects, aged between 21 and 26, have been remanded for seven days for further investigation.

The case is being investigated under Section 436 of the Penal Code, which is ‘mischief by fire or explosive substance with the intent to cause damage’.

Bakri said the eight were believe to be involved in the arson attack on the Metro Tabernacle Church.

He said the police were investigating whether those arrested were also linked to the attacks on 10 other churches, which were pelted with Molotov cocktails, stones and paint.

“We will investigate whether they are also linked to other cases,” he said, but added that “we believe we have solved this case”.

The Metro Tabernacle Church, part of the Assemblies of God movement, was attacked on Jan 8, leaving the first floor of the three-storey building completely razed.

Church leaders said witnesses saw four people ride up on motorcycles, smash the windows and throw things into the building.