Cops: Husband Started Blaze, Not Neo-Nazis

A Turkish man was arrested Friday in connection with an arson attack that killed his wife and two of his children.

The case had gained international attention because Turkish authorities had suggested German neo-Nazis started the blaze.

Dieter Menden, spokesman for the prosecutors’ office in this west German city, said he could not immediately disclose details about why the 42-year-old father is suspected.

Anti-foreigner sentiment was first suspected as the motive for the attack. The far right has been blamed for some 30 killings since Germany reunited in 1990.

But justice officials said the man was seen by witnesses buying gasoline in a canister at a time when he told investigators he was in a bar. A security camera also recorded the suspect at a gasoline station.

Officials said the couple had a history of marital trouble.

On Monday, the suspect’s 41-year-old wife and their 19-year-old daughter died after jumping from a third-floor window in Krefeld to escape the flames. The couple’s 17-year-old son was found dead inside the apartment, and twin 15-year-old girls were seriously injured.

Suggestions by Turks that attacks on foreigners have occurred because German authorities are too lenient with neo-Nazis angered many Germans.

On Thursday, the German Foreign Ministry summoned Turkey’s ambassador to express displeasure over such comments.

Turkish deputy foreign minister Onur Oymen tried to reduce tensions, telling reporters in Istanbul that his government has not linked Germany to the violence.

“All we are saying is that we’re concerned with the continuation of neo-Nazi attacks against foreigners in Germany. We’re asking that Turks there are better protected,” said Oymen.