Islamic Cultural Centre in Dublin closes to the public following ‘deeply troubling’ incident
It comes after the the Islamic Cultural Centre in Clonskeagh, south Dublin, said it was left with no choice but to close temporarily to the public after a “deeply troubling” incident last Saturday. It is understood the incident relates to a meeting about the future and governance of the centre which descended into turmoil.
A notice posted to the gates of the centre, which also houses a mosque and a Muslim school, said the campus will remain closed until a full investigation is carried out and robust safety and security protocols are implemented.
The notice said the incident was an “unprecedented and distressing attack” on the mosque, centre and board members on April 19 that left management with no choice but to temporarily close the centre.
“The decision has been made with the utmost concern for the safety and well-being of our community, especially the children of the Muslim National School,” said the notice that is signed “management”.
A Change.org petition has now been signed by more than 2,000 people.
“We, the undersigned members of the community, write this petition to express our profound concern over the closure of the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland (ICCI). As the largest place of worship for Muslims in Ireland, the ICCI has been a cornerstone of our community for decades,” the petition reads.
“We understand that the ICCI faces closure due to recent challenges and events. While these circumstances are regrettable, we assure the donors that our community is wholeheartedly committed to resolving any issues.
“Furthermore, we cannot overstate how vital the ICCI is to our lives and the essential role it plays in serving the community,” the petition continues.
It emphasised that the community “bears no blame for what is happening and is not a party to the conflict” and questions why they should be punished.
“We appeal to everyone involved to prioritise the collective interest of the community, regardless of any personal objectives.”
In a statement issued on social media this morning, the centre said it was going to remain closed “to ensure the safety and security” of the property and public.
The decision was made by a newly appointed board of directors.
The statement said that on Saturday, 19 April, the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland (ICCI) board had scheduled a closed-door meeting “specifically for the parents of children enrolled at the Quranic School to discuss school-related matters” but it said “attempts were made to disrupt the meeting and transform it into an open community gathering at an incorrect venue.”
It said that following an incident “and in light of credible information received by the board regarding planned protests, including potential attempts to breach the centre’s gates and forcibly take control of the premises – the board determined that maintaining security would be impossible if the centre remained open.”
The statement adds: “The Centre remains concerned about ongoing safety risks, particularly given reports that further protests may be organised with the intent to incite individuals to breach the gates and forcibly occupy ICCI premises. We trust the gardaí will continue to ensure the protection of the centre during this time.
“The Centre reiterates that rumours of pressure from abroad or any external actors/parties are false and without foundation.”
The ICCI will remain closed “as it undertakes a full review of its security posture.”
A notice on the gates said the incident last weekend was “unprecedented and distressing”.
The notice said there was an “unprecedented and distressing attack” on the mosque, centre and board members on April 19 that left management with no choice but to temporarily close the centre.
“The decision has been made with the utmost concern for the safety and well-being of our community, especially the children of the Muslim National School,” said the notice, signed “management”.
It said the move was “a deeply sorrowful moment in the history of the Mosque and Centre”.
Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri, who is leader of another mosque in west Dublin, told RTÉ News during the week he believes that issues have arisen about the operation of the centre.
However, he said his message to the community is that there is “no cause for alarm” and what is happening is a “transitional period”.
He added that he believes the centre will reopen under “renewed administration” and this would be a “step towards unity and progress”.
It has been reported that videos circulating on social media, believed to be from Saturday, show large groups of people inside and outside the mosque arguing with each other.
The Islamic Cultural Centre has been operating in Clonskeagh since 1996 and is one of the biggest for Ireland’s Muslim population, the majority of whom live in Dublin.
The centre serves the majority of the estimated 55,000 Muslim population. It hosts large celebrations and has hosted several high-profile visits and services.
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