Muslim workers in Italian city face challenges finding a place to pray

In the northeastern Italian city of Monfalcone, a controversial ban on Muslim prayers inside cultural centers has sparked a heated debate over religious freedom and integration. Since November, the city’s far-right mayor has prohibited Muslims from praying indoors, forcing them to gather in a concrete parking lot for Friday prayers.

The ban has left many Muslims feeling marginalized and discriminated against in their own community. Property owner Rejaul Haq, a naturalized Italian citizen from Bangladesh, expressed frustration over the restrictions, questioning why other religious groups have places of worship while Muslims do not.

Mayor Anna Cisint defended the ban as a matter of zoning regulations, not discrimination. She argued that as a secular state, it is not her responsibility to provide places of worship for any specific religious group. However, critics argue that the ban disproportionately affects the city’s Muslim population, which makes up a significant portion of Monfalcone’s immigrant community.

The issue has gained national attention, with Mayor Cisint’s stance aligning with the anti-immigrant rhetoric of Matteo Salvini’s League party. The upcoming European Parliament elections have further fueled the debate over immigration and integration in Italy.

As Monfalcone’s Muslims await a court decision on the ban, tensions continue to rise between the long-time residents and the immigrant community. The outcome of the court ruling will have far-reaching implications for the future of religious freedom and social cohesion in the city.