The information was contained in a statement issued by the prosecutor in Zurich’s cantonal government, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reports.

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It stated that the Imam at the An’Nur de Winterhour mosque, who is an Ethiopian national, was detained on Wednesday, November 2, for incitement to violence.

According to AFP, the Imam's sermon on October 21, “called for the assassination of Muslims who refuse to participate in communal prayers in the mosque,” the prosecutor’s statement read, adding that a criminal probe had been launched into the case.

Meanwhile, three of the Imam's followers have also been detained and are under investigation although the prosecutor's statement said that their role in the alleged call for violence is still "unclear".

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Previous reports by AFP on the An’Nur mosque has suggested that it has played a role in radicalising young Muslims.

Swiss media has also reported that the landlord of the compound which houses the mosque has had it with the group and do not intend to extend their lease, which might force the mosque to close before the end of the year.