28/08/2026
‼️The Islamic Community of Lisbon condemns the disrespect shown to the mosque and is filing a complaint with the authorities. ‼️
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🟡The Islamic Community of Lisbon (CIL) filed a complaint with the authorities after a video was released on social media, recorded at the Al-Noor Mosque in Ourém, in the district of Santarém. In the images, political activist Afonso Gonçalves, author of the book Reemigration, is seen walking on prayer rugs, questioning the legality of the place of worship and accusing the Muslim community of trying to impose its religion in Portugal.
🟡In the statement that Espaço Islâmico had access to, the organization expresses concern regarding the content of the published images.
🟡According to CIL, behaviors were observed inside the sacred site that constitute "disrespect for the prayer rugs and the copy of the Quran, as well as certain statements directed at the Islamic religion and the Muslim community."
🟡Despite the seriousness of the facts, the leadership of the Islamic Community of Lisbon emphasizes that it does not intend to assume the role of the courts or the police, submitting the evaluation of the case to the justice system.
🟡🟡“We do not intend to replace the authorities nor anticipate any conclusion regarding the eventual legal responsibility of those involved. It is up to the competent entities to assess the facts and determine, according to the law, whether there is any infraction or other matter that should be considered,” the statement said.🟡🟡
🟡In the document, CIL reaffirms its position clearly and concisely, arguing that religious practice does not pose a danger to society.
🟡“Our position is simple: A prayer room is not a threat. A Muslim citizen praying is not a threat. A copy of the Quran is not a threat,” the institution emphasizes.
🟡The organization clarifies that any questions about licensing, urban planning classification, or the legality of a place of worship should be addressed through institutional and legal channels, and it does not accept provocations or media exposure strategies.
🟡“Issues related to the potential legality or classification of a space should be addressed by the competent authorities and through the mechanisms provided for by law. They cannot serve as a pretext to provoke, humiliate, or create hostility against a religious community,” the statement emphasizes.
🟡In closing, the Islamic Community of Lisbon assures that it will continue to defend the right of Muslims to religious freedom, dignity, and equality, always within the principles of the rule of law and through the institutions of the Portuguese Republic, stressing that it will not respond to provocations with violence or retaliation. (Ekibal Seda)
