BRUSSELS, Belgium: Thousands of people in Belgium joined a “white march” on Sunday to strongly condemn deadly arson attack on Imam Ridha (AS) mosque in Anderlecht commune in the west of Brussels and martyrdom of its Imam.

Dead body of the Imam Abdallah Dahdou will be shifted to Morocco, his native homeland. His parents belonged to Morocco while he was born in Belgium.

Those taking part in the rally included members of the city’s Shiite Muslim community, many of whom carried white roses. They called for unity between all Muslims.

A 30-year-old man, who told police he’s from Morocco, was arrested after the attack and charged with arson as well as terrorism offences.

Police claim he entered the building that houses the mosque armed with an axe, knives and flammable liquid. He then set fire to the building.

Imam Abdallah Dahdou, a 46-year old father of four, choked to death trying to extinguish the flames.

The suspect is alleged to have told police that he wanted to scare members of the Shiite community, who he blames for much of the violence in Syria.