Bukit Aman waiting for more info on arrest of suspect in Palestinian lecturer's murder

KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Aman is still waiting for further information from various parties in connection with the alleged arrest of the main suspect in the 2018 murder of Palestinian lecturer Dr Fadi Mohammed Al Batsh here.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said the police are still waiting further clarification from Palestinian authorities, the Palestinian embassy, Interpol and other relevant agencies.

"We are still waiting for further information on the alleged arrest.

"We believe more information from the relevant parties will shed more light on the matter," he told reporters after attending the Autistic Students Early Education and Skills programme at the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM)/Pengaman Autism Centre on Wednesday (Jan 12).

Bukit Aman CID director Comm Datuk Seri Abd Jalil Hassan had previously said that the suspect was reportedly arrested by Palestinian authorities on Sunday (Jan 9).

He added that for now, police were seeking confirmation of the suspect’s detention from the Malaysian Foreign Ministry, the Palestinian embassy here and Interpol.

"Police will also get the cooperation of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) who have good ties with their counterparts in Palestine to obtain information regarding the matter," he said.

Earlier, Bernama had reported that the Hamas-run Interior Ministry was quoted as saying on Sunday that a suspect in the murder of Fadi had been arrested.

Interior Ministry spokesman Iyad al-Buzom told a press conference in Gaza City that the suspect had confessed that he was recruited by Mossad.

On April 21, 2018, Fadi, a research engineer thought to be linked to Hamas, was gunned down near his home here.

In the incident, which occurred at around 6am, the victim was on his way from his condominium in Setapak to a nearby mosque for Subuh prayers.