Belgian Authorities Detain Controversial Imam for Deportation to Morocco

Things are getting complicated for the Moroccan preacher. "The man has lost his right of residence in France and had to return to his country of origin, Morocco. He has therefore been placed in a closed return center with a view to his removal from the territory," said Nicole de Moor, noting that the Belgian justice system, which again refused to extradite Hassan Iquioussen to France, also decided on Tuesday that the imam from Lourches "can no longer be placed in pre-trial detention pending his extradition to France." "Consequently, this person no longer has to wear an electronic bracelet," the State Secretary added.

According to this Flemish Christian Democratic official, the Moroccan preacher "does not give any sign that he wishes to return voluntarily" while "the French authorities are still demanding the return of the person so that they can send him to Morocco." She further specified that Hassan Iquioussen does not "have permission to stay on Belgian territory." "We remain in contact with France to allow his removal," she stressed.