Mullah Krekar, “spiritual leader” of the Al Qaeda-linked Iraqi Islamist group Ansar al-Islam, has been arrested in Norway (where he has had refugee status for more than 10 years), on charges of attempting to murder his political enemies in Iraq. (Hat tip: Jihad Watch.)

Krekar was arrested at his apartment by agents with Oekokrim, Norway’s elite police unit, and was being questioned, Grimstad said.

The charges were based on an investigation that started in February, he said.

“He is accused of cooperating in the attempted murder of his political enemies in northern Iraq during the period of December 2000 to April 2001,” Krekar’s lawyer, Brynjar Meling, told the AP. “As far as I can see, these are matters he has explained to prosecutors before, and it’s strange they’re being raised again.” …

Krekar, born Najm al-Din Faraj Ahmad, has repeatedly denied links with al-Qaida, although he has called Osama bin Laden “a good Muslim.” He has also denied any connection with recent bombings and terror attacks in Iraq, or any role in smuggling drugs in Jordan.