HOKKAIDO –
A 37-year-old man beforehand arrested for allegedly making an attempt to set fireplace to an organization and residence operated by a Pakistani nationwide in Ebetsu, Hokkaido, has been rearrested on suspicion of setting a blaze that destroyed a mosque constructing used as an Islamic place of worship.
Police rearrested Ryotaro Ishii, a farmer from Chitose, on suspicion of arson involving an unoccupied construction.
Investigators allege that in February 2026, Ishii set fireplace to a prefabricated constructing in Kakuyama, Ebetsu, that was getting used as a mosque. The constructing was fully destroyed within the fireplace.
When questioned, Ishii declined to remark, telling investigators, “I don’t want to say anything today.”
Ishii had already been arrested in May on suspicion of making an attempt to set fireplace to a constructing that served as each an organization workplace and residence operated by a Pakistani nationwide. That constructing was situated about 400 meters from the mosque and was allegedly focused 5 days earlier than the mosque fireplace.
Police are persevering with their investigation into the incidents.
Source: 北海道ニュースUHB