Nazareth imam suspected of aiding terror group

Radical Islamic leader Nazem Abu Salim and another Israeli-Arab suspected of conspiring to commit crime, supporting terror

Hagai Einav|Published: 10.06.10 , 13:29

Cleared for publication: An investigation conducted by the Shin Bet and Amakim Police's Central Unit led to the arrest of two Nazareth residents on suspicion of forming an illegal organization, conspiring to commit a crime and supporting a terror organization.

The suspects were named as Nazem Abu Salim, the Imam of the Shihab Al-Din Mosque in Nazareth, and Muhammad Zohadi Na'arani.

The rest of the investigation's details remain under a gag order.

The charismatic Abu Salim is known to have radical religious views. About two months ago it was revealed that a number of youngsters who prayed at his mosque are suspected of involvement in al-Qaeda activity.

In the past Abu Salim leveled harsh criticism against the policies of the US and Israel.

Later in the day the two suspects are expected to attend a hearing at the Nazareth Magistrates' Court on the extension of their remand.

Two more affairs involving Arab-Israelis who are suspected of committing security offences have been made public recently. Last week two Israeli Arabs, residents of Shfaram and Umm al-Fahm, were indicted for allegedly being asked by Hamas to locate a hidden weapons cache set aside for carrying out attacks directed by the group.

In addition, one of the men confessed to attempting to recruit another Arab Israeli to Hamas in order to send him to train abroad.

Also last week, an indictment was issued against two Majdal Shams residents for spying for Syria. One of them said that he was asked in an internet correspondence to kidnap an IDF soldier in exchange for money, but he refused.