All four were studying at al-Iman University in Sanaa, Yemen, a university once suspended by the Supreme Yemeni Council for Universities for overlooking students’ academic qualifications (or lack thereof) as long as they could recite 5 excerpts from the Qur’an (no word on which ones).
The Danish suspect is said to be a convert to Islam — another convert, another alleged “misunderstander” of his new religion. “3 Australians, Dane Held in Yemen Over Arms Smuggling,” from AP:
SANAA, 28 October 2006 — Three Australians and a Dane have been arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle weapons to Somalia, a security official said late Thursday.
All four have been studying at the Islamist Iman University, which is run by Sheik Abdul-Majid Al-Zindani. The United States lists Al-Zindani as an Al-Qaeda supporter.
[…]
However, a Danish Foreign Ministry official confirmed the arrest of the Dane but refused to identify him. “All I can say is that a Danish national has been arrested according to our information,” said Uffe Wolffheckel of the Foreign Ministry”s Consular Service.
Danish media said the suspect is a 23-year-old male who converted to Islam and moved to Yemen two months ago with his wife and child.
[…]
Yemen is believed to be a frequent route for smuggling arms to Somali factions.