Associated Press reports from Athens that Muslims in Greece now have an official state-paid mosque for observing religious ceremonies, opening after a 14-year wait during which they had to pray in basements, garages, and makeshift places for worship.
“A long effort by successive governments since 2006, when Law 3512 was passed, has been completed. Greece sends a clear message inside and outside the country, of democracy, religious freedom, and respect,” said General Secretary of Religions Giorgos Kalantzis, according to Kathimerini newspaper.
Prayers were held at the mosque, situated in the Votanikos district, in strict adherence to social distancing rules and other safety measures enforced across Greece to contain the spread of the coronavirus, it was said.
The mosque’s first imam is Moroccan-born Zaki Mohammed, 49, a Greek citizen.
Ironically, it comes after Turkey altered the status of the ancient revered church of Aghia Sophia in Constantinople into a mosque along with another church and as Turkey is demanding more rights for a Muslim minority in northern Greece.
Read the full report at thenationalherald.com
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