Watching Extremism: Controversial Imam in Bologna

In the wake of escalating tensions in the Middle East since October 7, Italy once again finds itself as a battleground for terrorism. The alarm bells, never silent but now ringing louder, have prompted heightened vigilance among intelligence agencies tasked with preempting potential security threats on Italian soil.

In an investigation for il Giornale, Francesca Galici reveals that the Italian Home Secretary Matteo Piantedosi oversaw nearly 1800 repatriations carried out this year alone. Of particular concern are the 77 expulsion orders executed for reasons of national security, aimed at preempting radicalization and extremism. This figure includes 34 expulsions specifically targeting individuals deemed potential threats due to their extremist affiliations.

Amidst these efforts, parliamentary inquiries spearheaded by Sara Kelany and Marco Lisei from the Fratelli d’Italia Party (Brothers of Italy) have spotlighted the activities of Imam Zulfiqar Khan in Bologna. Known for his inflammatory rhetoric and affiliations with extremist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, Imam Khan has been a vocal proponent of anti-Semitic, anti-Israeli, and anti-Western sentiments. His sermons, broadcast widely via social media, have not only propagated hate but have also allegedly incited violence against perceived adversaries.

Kelany and Lisei’s inquiries have brought to light disturbing instances where Imam Khan has openly called for violence and jihad against those he deems enemies of Islam. His provocative statements, including recent calls for divine retribution through the hands of terrorist organizations, have raised serious concerns about public safety and national security.

“In our investigation, we uncovered numerous instances where Imam Khan has promoted violence and intolerance,” remarked Kelany. “His words have no place in a peaceful society, let alone within the borders of Italy.”

Echoing these sentiments, Marco Carrai, honorary consul of Israel for Tuscany, Emilia Romagna, and Lombardy, communicated to the Italian newswire service ADN Kronos his intent to pursue legal action against Imam Khan for incitement to racial hatred, murder, and terrorism. “Imam Khan’s vitriolic rhetoric, labeling Israelis as pedophiles and advocating for their indiscriminate slaughter, is not just abhorrent but poses a direct threat to our values of tolerance and coexistence,” Carrai emphasized.

The response from Italian authorities has been swift but deliberative, as they allegedly navigate the complex balance between safeguarding national security and upholding principles of freedom of speech. Calls for action have reverberated from parliament to the office of the President of the Republic and local authorities in Bologna, where Imam Khan continues to operate with apparent impunity.

“As we confront these challenges,” stated Carrai, “it is imperative that we stand firm against all forms of extremism and intolerance. Italy’s commitment to peace and stability must prevail over voices that seek to divide and incite violence.”

In the face of rising threats and hateful rhetoric, Italy can ill afford the luxury of tolerance without consequence. It’s time to act decisively, for silence in the face of extremism is acquiescence to its deadly embrace.