Italy: Muslim Community Dismayed by Islamic Center Closures

IQNA – Two Islamic community centers and prayer spaces in the Monfalcone district of Italy's northeastern province of Gorizia have been closed, causing frustration among the Muslim community of mainly Bangladeshi workers in the shipyard area.

The closure was carried out by Mayor Anna Maria Cisint, who is a member of the right-wing populist Lega party, Anadolu Agency reported on Tuesday.

In addition to closing the centers, the mayor also declared a former supermarket, where Muslims used to pray, as a construction site to prevent further prayers.

This decision has been criticized by left-wing politician Furio Honsell, who stated that it violated essential articles of the Constitution.

Christian and Muslim clerics have also expressed their unity and called for the respect of freedom to worship.

Prominent imam Abdel Majid Kinani has called on the wider Muslim community to peacefully protest the decision on December 23.

Source: Agencies