Belgian Justice Minister Calls for Overhaul of Muslim Executive Body Amid Security Concerns

The problem is not limited to the Grand Mosque. "The same figures continue to appear, also within the Executive of Muslims and non-profit associations associated with it," worries Vincent Van Quickenborne during the De Octhend program on VRT-radio. Pending the filing of a recognition file that he has introduced, jointly with an association, the EMB has set up a provisional management of the Grand Mosque, financed for decades by Saudi Arabia.

On this file, the State Security refuses to follow up, on the grounds of the proximity of its president, Salah Echallaoui (also vice-president of the EMB), with the Moroccan power, reports RTBF, stressing that some of its new leaders, appointed to put an end to the influence of Saudi Arabia, are suspected of being "tentacles of Morocco", Morocco which, according to Vincent Van Quickenborne, prevents an autonomous Islam from developing in Belgium.

"The EMB should promote a progressive Islam compatible with the values of our society. But it only includes men and there is no representation of the different linguistic communities," he denounces, calling for a renewal of all the bodies of the EMB. "Get up and make yourselves heard. Show that you can make a difference, because we really can’t go on like this," he said to all Belgian Muslims.