According to Krekar's lawyer Brynjar Meling, the charges against his client have been expanded to include terrorism.
The Norwegian Economic Crime Unit, Økokrim, was tight-lipped about a complex international case that seems to be growing even more confusing.
Chief public prosecutor Erling Grimstad at Økokrim said that a decision had been made to make sure Krekar did not leave the country while a tribunal examined whether there were grounds for remanding him in custody.
Grimstad confirmed that a recent interview with Krekar on Dutch television, which apparently showed the mullah threatening the USA with suicide bombers, played a role in their decision. Meling has stated that the Krekar interview broadcast his remarks out of context.
The Økokrim prosecutor agreed that it could appear strange to restrain a man which Norwegian authorities wanted expelled from the country, but Grimstad said his orders were to investigate possible criminal activities by Krekar in Norway.
Television coverage of the arrest was dramatic, with police several times trying to hinder filming while Krekar's brother, who was present, trying to ensure it was captured on camera. Mullah Krekar tried to resist arrest and was finally wrestled to the ground.
"This is completely sick, a mess. They have taken his travel documents, there is war in his homeland and Kurds are fleeing. There has never been so little danger of him running off as now. This is a political decision," fumed Meling, who claimed that he had received an assurance from police that his client would not be arrested.
