Spanish Enclave Bars Imams, Disrupts Muslim Prayer Services in Melilla

This situation, which the Commission of Muslims in Melilla describes as shameful, places the imams and the faithful of the city in a delicate position.

According to the Europa press Agency, the imams are not authorized to enter Melilla due to their administrative situation, attributing the responsibility to the local government of Melilla.

Bringing together several associations, the Muslim Commission stated that on Friday, October 18, the Guardia Civil refused access to the imam of the Los Penares mosque, depriving nearly 300 worshippers of the main prayer.

"This disrespectful position towards Muslims is due to the refusal of the local government to regularize the legal status of the imams," added the representative of the Muslim community.

The Commission also specified that the Spanish authorities prevent the imams from accessing the enclave, due to the lack of a residence permit, which suggests that all benefits will be canceled and that the visa will be generalized.