Maasmechelen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Diyanet mosque in Maasmechelen received official recognition yesterday as people raised concerns about this decision. Municipal councillor Andy Pieters (N-VA) sent the matter to Audit Vlaanderen for investigation.
Diyanet mosque in Maasmechelen received official recognition yesterday, which stands as a change for spiritual communities after continuous efforts. The municipal councillor Andy Pieters (N-VA) submitted the recognition file to Audit Vlaanderen for investigation after the decision generated controversy.
Alderman Serdar Karali (Puur Maasmechelen) serves as a point of interest since records indicate he functioned as director of the mosque when it sought recognition.
The Diyanet mosque situated on Paul Lambertlaan in Maasmechelen needed recognition for multiple years. The Diyanet mosque reached the requisite requirements during 2021, according to Mayor Raf Terwingen (CD&V), who remained optimistic about its anticipated approval.
Achieving mosque recognition within Belgium demands organisations to show financial stability and prove membership of 200 local residents while demonstrating strong measures against discrimination, violence, and hatred. After recognition, the mosque qualifies to receive financial support.
“We found that the alderman who was present when the decision was made on the file was also the director of the mosque at the time the application was submitted,”
Says Andy Pieters.
“His signature was on the application 3 times, and at the same time, he approved the recognition. That is, of course, totally unacceptable. A resident is also not allowed to decide on his own building permit. The rules apply to everyone.”
What is the background of mosque recognition in Belgium?
The Agency for Domestic Affairs in Belgium controls specific regulations that determine the official status recognition of religious communities which include mosques.
The approval procedure allows religious organisations to prove their compliance with established monitoring standards. Religious community validation through recognition enables access to financial support that includes payment for personnel and facility maintenance costs.
The Diyanet mosque in Maasmechelen belongs to a Turkish Diyanet Foundation network that manages Islamic religious services throughout multiple international territories. Recognition has become controversial because establishing ethical standards remains crucial throughout public decision-making procedures.
