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Plan for Gouda Mega Mosque (Picture: Markaz El-Wahda Gouda / Facebook)
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Plan for Gouda Mega Mosque (Picture: Markaz El-Wahda Gouda / Facebook)
Friday, 12 June 2015 - 11:29
Justice Min: No security issue in mega-mosque plan
Minister Ard van der Steur of Security and Justice sees no facts or circumstances to abandon the construction of the new large mosque in Gouda. According to him, this is a local, ongoing process and there is no reason for the Cabinet to intervene.
The minister said this in the Tweede Kamer, lower house of parliament, on Thursday, Omroep West reports.
The plans for the construction of a large mosque has caused quite a stir in Gouda. Due to all the management of the El Wahda mosque pulled out of the plans for the large mosque just days before it would likely have been voted down by the City Council. They are currently discussing plans for a smaller, more community driven mosque.
Van der Steur told the Tweede Kamer that the Cabinet is alert on radicalisation and that the Public Prosecutor and investigative services will intervene if there are signs of jihadist influences or preachers spreading hate. But as of now there are no security issues with the plans.