Mohammed Hussein
Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg
Top Muslim cleric of Jerusalem detained following terror attack
Both the top cleric of Jerusalem, Grand Mufti Mohammed Hussein, and his predecessor Ekrima Sa'id Sabri, are detained by police for questioning following the deadly Palestinian shooting attack that took place at the Temple Mount Friday morning.
Police detained the top Muslim cleric in Jerusalem, Grand Mufti Mohammed Hussein, following the deadly Palestinian shooting attack that took place at the Temple Mount Friday morning.
Hussein's son, Omar, told The Associated Press that police detained his father Friday and took him to an Old City police station.
Mohammed Hussein (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg)
The police also brought in for questioning Hussein's predecessor, Ekrima Sa'id Sabri, who currently delivers the Friday sermon at the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Sabri served as the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem between 1994 and 2006 and was dismissed by PA President Mahmoud Abbas due to his extremist views, which were not consistent with the PA's official policy.
Sabri has indirectly expressed his support for terror attacks against Israel over the years, and according to his public statements, he shares many of his opinions with Hamas. As a result of his extremist views, he has been under the scrutiny of the Israeli defense establishment for some time.
Ekrima Sa'id Sabri (Photo: Atta Awisat)
Friday's shooting from inside the walled compound in Jerusalem's Old City killed two Israeli policemen. Police gave chase and killed the three assailants.
The sacred site is revered by both Muslims and Jews, known respectively as the Noble Sanctuary and the Temple Mount.
Yael Friedson, Eli Senyor, Elior Levy and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
