Illegal 'mosque' still open

An illegal "mosque" on Tower Road, Sliema is still operating despite being declared illegal by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority and by the court of appeal.

The premises are situated on the ground floor of a block of apartments near Preluna Hotel, displaying prominent signs such as "There is no God save Allah. Mohammed is the Messenger of Allah".

People who live in the area are upset. They have no qualms about any religion - so long as it is practised in venues allowed by law. They argue that concrete action should have been taken against the occupiers following the rulings.

Enforcement action against the owner and occupier of the "mosque" started two years ago, based on possession of an unauthorised development consisting of a sign/advert on the façade and on having materially changed the use of the premises into one of public worship, religious teaching or social activities of a religious body.

An appeal against enforcement was lodged by the occupiers but it was dismissed by the Planning Appeals Board. The case then went to the court of appeal before Mr Justice Ray Pace. Two months ago the court turned down the appeal and enforcement officers have on various occasions tried to convince the occupiers to abide by the court order and stop using the premises illegally.

Franco Vassallo, the legal adviser to one of the residents of the building, said he could not understand how the authorities used two weights and two measures. "With all its good intentions, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority unfortunately does not act in the same way with everyone.

"The law is there for everyone and enforcement should apply to all. This particular case is crystal clear in the sense that both Mepa and the court have ruled that this place is operating illegally. Yet, the authorities refuse to act. It is a very unfortunate situation."