Islamic Cultural Centre in Dublin was shut over fears of ‘forced takeover'
The Islamic Centre is currently at the centre of a bitter dispute between the board of the Al Maktoum Foundation and a group of prominent officials in the centre and their supporters
Footage of the incident at the Islamic Cultural Centre Ireland (ICCI) last Saturday
The Islamic Centre in Clonskeagh was closed amid fears of 'potential attempts to breach the Centre's gates and forcibly take control of the premises,' it has been stated.
In a statement issued on the Centre's website, its newly appointed Board of Directors described the closure as 'a preventive measure to ensure the safety and security of the property, staff, children and members of the public.'
The Centre remained closed on Saturday.
Locals say there has been an increased garda and security presence visible there in the past number of days.
The Islamic Centre is currently at the centre of a bitter dispute between the board of the Al Maktoum Foundation and a group of prominent officials in the centre and their supporters.
The Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland in Clonskeagh, Dublin
The Al Maktoum Foundation provides about €2.5 million a year for the running of the Centre.
It recently queried a number of matters relating to the financial running of the centre.
Zahid Jamil, a Dubai-based lawyer and a member of the foundation's board, was sent to Ireland this week to examine the finances, along with an auditor.
'The board is concerned about the financial situation and, as a result, an auditor has been officially appointed,' Mr Jamil was quoted as telling The Irish Times.
Some of the allegations relate to the administration of a Quranic school on the grounds of the centre.
In the statement issued on the ICCI's website, the board said: 'On Saturday, 19 April, the ICCI Board had scheduled a closed-door meeting specifically for the parents of children enrolled at the Quranic School to discuss school-related matters.
Footage of the incident last Saturday
'However, attempts were made to disrupt the meeting and transform it into an open community gathering at an incorrect venue.
'A formal clarification had also been issued on the morning of Saturday, 19 April, confirming that the meeting was with the parents of students enrolled at the Quranic School.
'Despite this, there was a coordinated effort to instigate chaos, intimidate and harass parents, and obstruct their entry to the scheduled meeting, which also led to physical assault on a staff and the Board.
'This resulted in a heightened security situation, creating an unsafe environment for our Board Member, staff, parents, the general public, and young people in attendance.
'Following this 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 Centre remains concerned about ongoing safety risks, particularly given reports that further protests may be organized 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 newly appointed Board, having recently taken charge, has also raised serious concerns regarding financial irregularities and governance failures at the ICCI.
'An internal review was underway, and an internal auditor had been appointed to assist with this process.
'As part of this effort, the management requested financial records and other relevant documents from the Principal and Deputy Principal of the Quranic School.
'However, they refused to comply, unlawfully withheld ICCI property, and removed sensitive records without authorization.'
In the wake of the centre, a complaint has been made to the Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) alleging that the foundation's board was accessing details of members of the centre and sending them to the United Arab Emirates.
The new board of the ICCI has however denied this allegation.
'Assertions circulating that any foreign party has made a request for any data are completely false and are categorically denied,' the statement said.
'No such request has been received, nor has any action been taken in this regard.
'These statements are defamatory and baseless. 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.
'In the meantime, the Board is also conducting a comprehensive audit to address and remedy the legal, financial, and governance issues it has inherited.
'These reforms will ultimately enhance the Centre's ability to fulfil its mission.
'Looking ahead, the ICCI intends to welcome a wide range of new proposals and initiatives that support deeper integration into Irish society and foster stronger collaboration with the institutions and diverse communities of the Irish state.'
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