#Nietmijnislam faces difficulties finding place for meeting

After the Charlie Hebdo attacks an online initiative called #nietmijnislam (#notmyislam) arose spontaneously. The group distances itself from extremist Islam and favours dialogue, but found it really difficult to find a place for their first gathering in real life.

Acccording to one of the initiators Mostafa Hilali one of mentioned reasons for a organization in The Hague to annul the appointment was ‘controversial persons’ being related to #nietmijnislam. Their source was GeenStijl (a website known for its’ inflammatory and sarcastic way of bringing ‘news’, without taking political correctness and journalistic principles into serious consideration). Later on the organization denied the reason being a fear for radical Muslims and explained that Hilali was spoken to by someone who was no part of the decision process. Another argument is that safety cannot be guaranteed.

Lodewijk Asscher, minister Social Affairs, regrets the difficulties #nietmijnislam faces, stating that an initiative like #nietmijnislam is just what is needed in a time wherein a lot of people are afraid of terrorism. Asscher emphasizes the importance of an ongoing dialogue on religion and tensions in the rest of the world.

In the end #nietmijnislam was able to arrange a meeting with help of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Work.

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