Politicians have reacted with fury after a court overturned a decision to deport a radical Muslim preacher. Mohamed Shahin was arrested in November by police after his Italian residence permit was revoked and an expulsion decree was signed by Matteo Piantedosi – Italy’s Interior Minister.
The Italian government claimed the imam posed a threat to national security and cited alleged controversial statements he had made in the past as evidence. Shahin has been at the forefront of pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the northern city of Turin. He is reported to have described the horrific Hamas massacre of Israeli’s in October 2023 as being « not an act of violence ».
The imam is later alleged to have framed the attack as a reaction to « 80 years of occupation » rather than a criminal act.
His arrest has led to several protests by his supporters and left-wing groups, who have demanded his release.
The Court of Appeal in Turin ordered Shahin to be freed on Monday, after his lawyers argued that new evidence showed there were no grounds for claiming the defendant posed a threat to state security or public order. He has since been released from the Caltanissetta deportation centre, provoking a furious backlash from Italy’s ruling government coalition.
Politicians accused the court of taking a political decision, as opposed to a judicial one.
Galeazzo Bignami, the leader of Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party in the parliament, said: « This is yet another slap in the face to the State and to those who work every day to protect it.
« A serious and incomprehensible decision regarding a person who justified the terrorist attack of October 7, and yet another confirmation of the level of politicisation of a part of our judiciary. »
Anna Maria Cisint, an MEP for The League, added: « It is unacceptable that we can return to preaching in mosques.
« They have now become veritable instruments of indoctrination: a ticking time bomb. »
During his appeal, Shahin said he did not support Hamas and that he respected the law, adding he would be tortured and killed if he was deported to Egypt.
The Muslim preacher received support from members of the Catholic Church, with the Bishop of Pinerolo saying that it was wrong to attack someone for their opinion.
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