Police arrest suspects in church arson 13 Jul 2015

Police arrest suspects in church arson

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    The Israel Police is treating this as a criminal incident with nationalist motives. Investigators arrested three suspects following an undercover investigation that has been taking place since the fire at the church last month.
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    Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes Copyright: Israel Ministry of Tourism
     
     
    On 18 June 2015, arsonists set fire to the Church of the Loaves and the Fishes in Tabgha, near Capernaum on the shores of Lake Kinneret (the Sea of Galilee). Hebrew graffiti were sprayed on one of the walls. The Israel Police is treating this as a criminal incident with nationalist motives.

    Investigators from the National Crime Unit, together with the Israel Security Agency, arrested three suspects on Sunday, 12 July, following an undercover investigation that has been taking place since the fire at the church last month. The suspects were brought before the Nazareth Magistrates Court, which ordered that they be held in custody until Friday (17 July), at which time another hearing will be held.

    The Israel Police views the attempt to harm a holy site with the utmost gravity and will not let extremist elements harm the delicate fabric of co-existence and tolerance in Israel.