7 May 2024: In the northeastern Italian city of Monfalcone, a dispute has arisen regarding the religious rights of its Muslim population. Since November, hundreds of Muslim workers have been prohibited from praying inside their two cultural centers by the city’s far-right mayor, prompting them to gather in a concrete parking lot for Friday prayers.
The issue stems from zoning regulations, according to Mayor Anna Cisint, who asserts that her duty is to enforce the law rather than provide places of worship. However, many Muslim residents, primarily Bangladeshi immigrants, view this as a violation of their constitutional right to religious expression.
The situation has garnered national attention, with Mayor Cisint’s stance aligning with the anti-immigrant rhetoric of Matteo Salvini’s League party. The League, historically resistant to mosque openings, has capitalized on concerns over illegal immigration, framing the upcoming European Parliament elections as a referendum on the future of Europe.
Despite possessing work permits and passports, Monfalcone’s Muslim community faces prejudice and distrust from some long-time residents. The controversy has even affected children, with young Muslims questioning their place in society.
An administrative court in Trieste is set to rule on May 23 regarding the legality of the mayor’s ban on prayer within cultural centers. Meanwhile, tensions persist between the city’s Muslim population and local authorities, reflecting broader debates surrounding immigration and integration in Italy.
