ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Erbil’s internal security forces (Asayish) on Tuesday arrested a suspect accused of attacking a mosque and tearing copies of the Islamic holy book of Quran days prior, with an investigation initiated into the matter.

“The suspect who attacked a mosque in Erbil has been arrested; an investigation has begun with him, and we will release further details within the coming hours,” an informed Asaysih source told The New Region.

The incident took place on Sunday when an individual was reported to have entered the Sheikh Mohammed Pirkhidri mosque and shrine in the Region’s capital and tore apart a large number of religious books, including the Quran.

The mosque’s interior and furniture also sustained heavy damage, with the perpetrator fleeing the scene afterwards.

According to preliminary investigations, the perpetrator was previously involved in the desecration and vandalism of a graveyard belonging to the Christian community in the Shaqlawa district.

Iraq’s Penal Code criminalizes insults against religion, with Article 372 prescribing up to three years in prison or a financial penalty for anyone who publicly insults religious figures, symbols, or practices revered by a sect.

In a press conference, Mala Saad, the mosque’s Imam, stressed the necessity of handling the matter “with extreme severity,” and for the investigation’s outcomes to be published “publicly for the people of Kurdistan.”

He further called on the Kurdistan Region’s authorities to “ensure to all of us that such incidents will not recur in another mosque or religious site in Kurdistan.”