Abdul Hadi Arwani murder: Fourth arrest over death of Syrian preacher

 
Shooting victim: Abdul Hadi Arwani
Ramzy Alwakeel19 April 2015
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A fourth person has been arrested and bailed in connection with the "murder" of a Syrian preacher who was shot dead earlier this month.

Abdul Hadi Arwani's body was found in his parked car in Greenhill, Wembley, on April 7. The 48-year-old father of six - who died of gunshot wounds, police confirmed - had been an outspoken critic of the Assad regime in Syria.

A 36-year-old man was today bailed having been held for two days on suspicion of conspiracy to murder him.

It follows the arrest of Muslim convert Burnell “Bernie” Mitchell, 61 - brother of the lead singer of 1970s pop group Boney M - who was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder on Tuesday by counter terror detectives.

The following day he was further arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.

A 53-year-old woman was arrested in Brent, also on Wednesday evening, on the same charge. Both Mitchell and the woman remain in custody.

In a statement earlier this week, Mr Arwani's son Murhaf Arwani said he wished to thank the police and the Crown Prosecution Service.

"We would also like to thank the community for the outpouring of support during this extremely difficult time," he added. "We are touched to learn how many people my father helped, advised and inspired in his short life.

"If anyone has any additional information that can help with the investigation, we urge you to please come forward and speak to the Metropolitan Police.

"Your cooperation will help us close this painful page and begin to move on with our lives, in the knowledge that the person who took away our father, will be brought to justice and duly punished for this heinous crime."

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