Italians reject plans for mosque next to the Leaning Tower of Pisa

In what is being called “the Italian revolution,” a referendum will decide whether or not the construction of a mosque will begin next to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. A failed plan to attack the Tower by a jihadist with suspected ties to the Islamic State has stirred the people. And the crisis in Italy is acute: “In recent days, French authorities have closed its border with Italy because of the migrant crisis.”

So far, 1,800 signatures have been collected against the construction of the mosque, the number needed for a vote to take place.

Italy is already said to have a “mosque problem,” as over 1.6 million Muslims in Italy have a choice of only only eight mosques to worship in. Also, last year it was announced that unregulated mosques in Italy would be closed down, as part of the government’s counter-terrorism drive.

“Italians say NO to plans for mosque next to the Leaning Tower of Pisa”, by Laura Mowat, UK Express, August 18, 2016:

Yesterday, 1,800 signatures were collected against the Islamic place of worship – the number needed for a vote to take place.

Italian journalist and politician Magdi Allam called the referendum “the Italian revolution” and he said Pisans did not expect to get 1,800 signatures.

Vice-chairman of the committee against the construction of the new mosque, Gianluca Gambini, said: “And we will not stop here – because we expect to get to a higher number of signatures, at least two thousand, to avoid problems with the council.

“This morning we will go back to Pisa’s market, so people who have not yet signed up can do it.

“We want to thank everyone who helped us especially the newspaper Il Giornale and its reporters, who believed in this battle. Magdi Allam, for example, held a successful debate last Sunday that encouraged more people to sign.

“The collection of signatures will close next Saturday at the city market, where Daniela Santanché will support us.”

Ms Santache is an Italian politician and entrepreneur.

If the council finds 1,800 of the collected signatures are valid, a referendum will be held over the next few months.

The Italian newspaper Il Giornale said that the arrest of Bilel Chiahoui who is suspected of being a jihadist with links to ISIS, is likely to increase the number of people against the mosque….

In recent days, French authorities have closed its border with Italy because of the migrant crisis leaving thousands of migrants near the town of Ventimiglia.”