Disruption of Friday prayers: Brazilian national given in police remand

His activities were very suspicious. We will investigate him thoroughly: police official.

ISLAMABAD:

The Brazilian national arrested on Friday from Faisal Mosque for disrupting prayers was given in police remand after he was booked under section 153-A for instigating disharmony among religious groups.

Moreto Cubek Rebieo was arrested by the security in-charge of the mosque when he started crying “long live Christianity” and “long live Mariam” during the Friday prayers.

Later, police discovered that the Brazilian national had arrived in Rawalpindi about a month ago and was staying in Pearl Continental Hotel. At the time of his arrest, Rebieo was wearing a shalwar kameez. Earlier police had suspected that the Brazilian national was mentally disturbed.

Initial investigations revealed that he had travelled to Quetta and Peshawar during his stay in Pakistan. “His activities were very suspicious. We will investigate him thoroughly,” said a police official.

He said police had requested the Brazilian High Commission to track the details of Rebieo. He had not registered himself at the commission on his arrival in Pakistan.

“He wanted to proceed to Iran after staying in Pakistan for a few more days,” said a police official who interrogated the Brazilian national.

Police said they wanted to deport him on Monday, however, it might not be possible due to holidays.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 15^th, 2011.