Belgium Expels Turkish Imam Over Homophobic Social Media Posts

The case dates back to at least last October when the Office of Foreigners received a request to renew the residence and work permit of the imam in question. After investigations by this structure, it was revealed that the imam could undermine public order or national security.

According to the State Secretary, the expulsion decision was made in mid-December 2020. It was notified to the person concerned who was heard a month later. But this session did not provide any new elements to influence the decision, he added. Consequently, the Office of Foreigners sent the decision to the imam’s place of residence, who received an order to leave the territory.

"Those who come to spread hatred in our society have no place here," warns Sammy Mahdi. "We cannot tolerate the stigmatization of the LGBT community and the dissemination of such messages. I have a hard time accepting the homophobic statements made within a religious community. As an imam, you must set an example, especially if you have already obtained the right to work in Belgium. Whoever does not want to respect our values must face the consequences," he threatened.