Aarhus mosque targeted with petrol in arson attempt

The bishop of Aarhus visited the city’s Islamic mosque on Friday to show solidarity after an arson attempt last month in which 15 litres of petrol were poured inside the building.

According to Namik Catkafa, secretary-general of the Islamic Faith Community, the attacker emptied three five-litre petrol cans in the mosque on the night of 26 May and tried to set it alight, without success.

Catkafa said the incident had created insecurity among worshippers, with attendance at prayers and events roughly halved. Carpets in the mosque are being replaced due to petrol contamination.

“Someone poured 15 litres of petrol and wanted to harm us. It is terrifying to think that one of our staff stood in that petrol puddle,” he said.

Bishop Esben Thusgård of the Aarhus Diocese met Catkafa on Friday. “The smell of petrol is still there, and that says something about the seriousness. That is what fills my mind now, along with the consequences this could have had,” Thusgård said.

He added that the meeting was meant to show that the two faith communities can come together. “For me, disagreements and different beliefs are not in themselves a source of conflict, but rather an opportunity for dialogue. In a time when we talk a lot about polarisation and radicalisation on all sides, it is important that we stand together,” the bishop said.

Catkafa welcomed the visit, saying it strengthened the sense of shared values and security. “We feel we are united in condemning the attack. It gives value and reassurance, and reinforces the feeling that we share the same foundation in the society we are part of,” he said.

East Jutland Police suspect a minor is behind the arson attempt. The boy has been questioned but, being below the age of criminal responsibility, has not been charged. The investigation continues.