Russia: Mosque burned in Astrakhan region

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Muslim house of worship was burned in the village of Kapustin Yar of Akhtoubinsky district (Astrakhan region), the press service of local muslims reports. Law enforcement officers initiated a criminal case. The basic version of the investigation is arson.The local muslim community acquired brick house and after repair work they began to use it as the house of worship. Electrical equipment was also renovated during repairs.Imam of Ahtubinsk mosque Ruslan Hazrat Sultangaliyev also noted that there were no conflicts with the locals or threats against muslims during the operation of the Muslim house of worship.Over the weekend volunteers from all over the district conducted cleaning works on the area of former mosque. They took out garbage and dismantled the remains of the roof. The community plans to raise funds for the restoration of a place of worship.Astrakhan is a major city in southern European Russia and the administrative center of Astrakhan Oblast. /149