Homeowner of terror suspect's hideout known as good villager

Suherdjoko/Slamet Susanto/Tarko Sudiarno , The Jakarta Post , Temanggung, Central Java | Sun, 08/09/2009 2:01 PM | National

Mohzahri, the owner of a house in Beji hamlet, Temanggung, Central Java used as the hideout of a dead terror suspect believed to be Noordin M. Top, has been known as a good villager, neighbors say.

He teaches religion at the Junior High School SMP Muhammdiyah, Kedu, and also often leads Friday's mass prayer at the village mosque.

"His speech has never taught radicalism," Kedu village head Purnomo Hadi said Saturday.

Mohzahri, lives with his wife, Endang, has a son and a daughter.

His son, Tatang, and his nephew, Aries, however, were reportedly arrested by police anti-terror unit, Mono, a neighbor, said. His daughter married to a man from a neighboring village.

Mono still could not believe that Mohzahri rent his house to terror suspect Noordin M. Top and police raided the house from Friday to Saturday.

Marimah, a trader, portrayed Mohzahri's wife, Endang, as a polite villager.

"We often hold a gathering at her home, so we knew that there are three bed rooms, a dining room and a bath room at her home," she said. "She also often buys stuffs in my kiosk."