Israel arrests three over price-tag church attack

Published July 12th, 2015 - 10:00 GMT
Al Bawaba
Al Bawaba

Three suspects connected to the fire that burned down the revered Church of Loaves and Fishes in the Galilee were arrested on Sunday by Judea and Samaria District Police and the Shin Bet. 

At the time of the June 18 fire, investigators at the holy Christian site suspected that the fire had been set deliberately based on Hebrew graffiti seen at the site.

Police initially held 16 youths for questioning, although they were later released with no charges.

An undercover investigation led by the police and the Shin Bet began immediately after the torching led to the arrests. 

The suspects are currently under an order that prevents them from meeting with an attorney, but a remand hearing will take place in the Nazareth Magistrate's Court Sunday at 1:00 p.m Sunday. 

Attorneys have filed several urgent appeals against the order of incommunicado detention.

Details regarding the investigation and the suspects in custody remain under a gag order, which will remain in effect until August 1.

Subscribe

Sign up to our newsletter for exclusive updates and enhanced content