Pakistani man submits official request for a mosque in Agia Triada - Locals outraged

The Nafplio Police Department has not found evidence of any construction or operation of an unlicensed mosque.

The Ministry of Citizen Protection and the Greek Police confirmed that a foreign national from Pakistan submitted a request to establish a mosque in Agia Triada in the Municipality of Nafplio, which has angered the local community.

A Pakistani foreign national submitted the request to the Directorate of Religious Administration of the Ministry of Education, Religion and Sports on 17 July 2024.

According to the Deputy Minister of Citizen Protection, Andreas Nikolakopoulos, who reported on the matter in response to a parliamentary audit, the request concerns granting a license to establish and operate a mosque on a property in Agia Triada.

Reactions from the local community

The local community are anxious, with residents expressing fears of changes in the social fabric of the region, Anagnostis reported. Some residents express concerns about the consequences that the establishment of the mosque may have in the area.

They argue that this can lead to the degradation of the area, which will negatively affect property prices, development, and economic activities.

Locals say that the area can become a ghetto and attract people with behaviours and attitudes that are not compatible with Western culture and Greece's legal system.

In addition, they are concerned about the transformation of Greece into an "Islamic enclave," stating that the Greek government appears to be bowing to pressure to build Islamic places of worship, which may increase tensions in Christian-Islamic relations.

Velopoulos' question

In a question submitted to Parliament, MP Kyriakos Velopoulos stated:

"Agia Triada has no Muslim population except for seasonal workers. Who gave permission for a mosque to operate in the area?"

The government's reaction

The Ministry of Citizen Protection's response emphasises that, until October 30, 2024, no construction work or operation of an unlicensed place of worship was found in Agia Triada. Further, any such action will be dealt with in accordance with the laws.

However, Deputy Minister Andreas Nikolakopoulos underlined the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom.

"Freedom of religious conscience is inviolable and protected by domestic and international law. The Ministry operates within the framework of legality to ensure social cohesion," he said.

Licensing issues for religious places are governed by the institutional framework, which includes the laws A.N. 1363/1938 and N. 3467/2006, in conjunction with the Ministry of Education circular.

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