Mosque Set on Fire in Netherlands

A mosque under construction in Gouda, Netherlands was burned to the ground early Saturday, according to police reports.

Police stated that a 40-year-old man without permanent residence was arrested after the incident, and his intention is obviously clear.

A witness said he saw someone throw a burning object onto the property. A fire set off some insulation that was in the parking lot near the mosque under construction. Terrified firefighters quickly put out the flames.

Not far from the mosque, the police managed to arrest a man, whom the witness gave his description to the security personnel. According to the police spokesman, there was a burning smell around the suspect, who is  known to both police and emergency services for his "disruptive behavior".

The new mosque is located in an old administrative building that is now being renovated. The features of the prayer house are already visible.

Secretary of the mosque at Omroep West Fouad Khouakhi said that residents were shocked by the fire. "I've said before that attacks are being committed on mosques and this is another example of that from hundreds of incidents on mosques."

"Arson, threats, vandalism, and It goes on and on, including that terrorist attack in Enschede a few years ago." said Member of Parliament Farid Azarkan. "What can we do as a society to stop this?"