Dublin Islamic cultural centre shut as new details emerge after management row sparks ‘deeply troubling' meeting scuffle
THE Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland remains locked up amid an ongoing row between its board based in Dubai and its Dublin management which sparked a scuffle over the weekend.
The incident broke out within the building in
One person who attends the centre told us: "There was talking, then people agreed and disagreed, and then it just happened."
A source explained: "Gardai examined if there was anything in terms of assault in relation to Saturday's incident, but nothing beyond that.
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"No formal complaint was made. So for the moment, it is now the end of the matter for the gardai."
The
It is a private company operated by al-Maktoum Foundation of
The ongoing row with its board members based in the UAE and those who manage the centre in
Most read in Irish News
A number of those who attend the centre told the Irish Sun that concerns have been raised.
One man, who asked not to be named, told us: "It has gotten very political. One side is raising concerns.
'PEOPLE ARE UPSET'
"Don't create this circus over nothing. People are very upset at what has happened in recent days."
A sign erected on the locked gates which said a "deeply troubling incident" took place last Saturday, branding it "an unprecedented attack on our mosque, centre and members of the board.
It added: "We have no choice but to temporarily close the Mosque and centre to the public.
"This decision is being made with the utmost concern for the safety and well-being of our community, especially the
REVIEW TO BE CARRIED OUT
It insisted that the closure will remain in place until an investigation is carried out into the events of last weekend and that a review of safety and security protocols is carried out.
Dr Ali Selim stepped back from his role at the Islamic Cultural Centre last year but frequently still goes there to pray.
He explained that he hopes the deadlock can be broken soon for the better of the community.
Dr Selim told the Irish Sun: "I think there will be a solution soon because like this place provides service to the Muslim community not only in Ireland but even outside Ireland, sorry not only in Dublin but even outside Dublin.
"In Dublin, the Muslims are estimated to be 50,000.
'BEACON OF ISLAMIC CULTURE'
"It's the beacon of Islamic culture, it's the place that you can hardly say there is a single Muslim in the country who has never been there, it's a significant place for the social context of Muslims in Ireland."
When asked if he was aware if there were any concerns raised over financial matters at the centre, Dr Selim replied: "No comment."
Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri is the leader of a mosque in west Dublin and told how he hoped the temporary closure "is a moment of deep reflection for us all".
He added that he prays it becomes "an opportunity for renewal" and a step towards "unity and progress".
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THE Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland remains locked up amid an ongoing row
Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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