Worshipper shot dead inside Al Ain mosque

al ain — A worshipper was shot dead inside a mosque in a residential area of Al Ain City, said authorities.

Officials of the Abu Dhabi Public Prosecution on Monday said they have referred an Arab man to the criminal court after investigations suggested that he had fired several bullets at the victim. They said the shocking incident took place recently while the victim was sitting in a mosque near his home.

The suspect followed the victim from his home to the mosque and waited until he was alone.

“The suspect waited near the entrance before entering the mosque when he saw the victim sitting alone there,” said prosecutors.

“He walked towards the victim from behind and then shot several bullets at his head and other body parts.” After killing the man, the suspect ran away,

He walked towards the victim from behind and then shot several bullets at his head and other body parts.

Prosecutors

but later surrendered at a police station in Al Ain city.

Investigation suggested that the suspect had obtained the gun illegally with the purpose of murdering the victim in revenge over family issues. Some eyewitnesses confirmed that the man carried out the attack. Officers said it was a terrible act to attack the victim inside the mosque, without taking into account the sanctity of the holy place.

Prosecutors charged the man with premeditated murder, illegal possession of a firearm and possession and abuse of psychotropic substances. He was also charged with abuse of Islamic rituals and places of worship. Public prosecutors requested for death penalty if the suspect is found guilty. — ismail@khaleejtimes.com