60 Vlaam Belang protest Fatih Mosque renovation in Ghent

Lailuma Sadid
Credit: Belga

Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – On January 25, 2025, 60 Vlaams Belang supporters protested peacefully at El Paso Park in Ghent against renovating the Fatih Mosque, linked to Turkey. 80 counter-protesters also joined, but no incidents occurred.

On 25 January 2025, a demo by Vlaams Belang was held at El Paso Park, Rabot district of Ghent. The demo was aimed to oppose the rebuilding of the Fatih Mosque, popularly known as the Green Mosque. Police said that around 60 people attended the gathering that supported Vlaams Belang.

The protest started at 11:00 AM and remained peaceful. There was music all through the event, and people chanted slogans. Counter to that, about 80 express their disagreement.  No fights or incidents were reported, though both groups were present. Police mentioned that for safety reasons, they had to close down Gebroeders de Smetstraat for about an hour to handle the crowd.

About 60 demonstrators from Vlaams Belang were present for the demonstration, which started at 11 o’clock,

the police said.

Everything was peaceful, there was music and slogans were chanted.

Why is Vlaams Belang protesting the Fatih Mosque renovation?

According to authorities, this protest is part of Vlaams Belang’s larger plan. The party is against immigration and questions the European Union. They have raised worries about foreign influence in Belgium, especially with Muslim communities. They mentioned that the mayor’s choice to allow the protest shows the struggle between free speech and concerns about outside influence in local religious matters.

According to the Police, this event may add to the national discussion about multiculturalism. Some people may see it as a challenge to integration, while others view it as a real protest against outside interference in Belgium’s issues.

About 80 counter-demonstrators also showed up,

the police said.

But there were no skirmishes or incidents.

The right-wing party in Belgium, Vlaams Belang, was allowed to protest on January 25, 2025, in El Paso Park of the Rabot district. This protest was against the renovation of the Fatih Mosque, also known as the Green Mosque. This mosque was built in 1978 for the Turkish-speaking Muslim community in Ghent.

Vlaams Belang is concerned with the connection of the mosque to Diyanet, a Turkish government’s religious department. They think this connection is a form of foreign influence in Belgium’s religious affairs. The party believes the renovation is part of a larger plan for Turkey to have more control over religious institutions in Belgium. 

By holding this protest, Vlaams Belang wants to express their view that foreign governments should not influence Belgium’s religious practices. They see this as important for Belgium’s identity and independence.

Vlaams Belang mentioned that this protest is part of their larger agenda against immigration and the European Union. The party has often expressed worries about foreign influence in Belgium, especially regarding Muslim communities. 

What are the challenges facing the Fatih Mosque renovation in Ghent?

Plans to turn the old power station into a mosque started in 2017. The work has been delayed many times because of money issues and objections from people. The previous leaders in Ghent approved the environmental permit, but there are rules to follow. The city council said that objections can be filed until February 15. If someone objects, construction will be delayed, and the East Flemish deputies will review the case first.

The previous Ghent aldermen approved the environmental permit, but there are conditions attached to it.

An objection can still be filed until February 15,

the city council said.

The environmental permit from the old city leaders has rules to follow before building can start. The city council said that if anyone files a complaint by February 15, it will delay the work and the East Flemish deputies will have to check the case again. 

If that happens, construction will have to be postponed and the East Flemish deputation will first have to assess the file.

the City Council said. 

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Brussels Morning is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.
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Lailuma Sadid is a former diplomat in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Embassy to the kingdom of Belgium, in charge of NATO. She attended the NATO Training courses and speakers for the events at NATO H-Q in Brussels, and also in Nederland, Germany, Estonia, and Azerbaijan. Sadid has is a former Political Reporter for Pajhwok News Agency, covering the London, Conference in 2006 and Lisbon summit in 2010.
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