News, May 2004

Interior Minister proposes religious censorship

10th May. Spanish interior minister, Alonso, in attempt to control militant islam, has proposed that all religious preachers be registered and the text of their sermons approved by the government censors before being preached.

Evidently this suggestion has aroused rejection by all other parties and, of course, by the Spanish Evangelical Alliance. Perhaps this is just one more of the various unconsidered ideas which new ministers have proposed, without real consideration - like a nice idea to cut VAT on books and CDs, totally out of EU order. Nevertheless, it is worrying that such suggestions should come from a party elected on a promise of 'dialogue' and understanding between people of all viewpoints. It reflects the fact that the Socialist Party was totally unprepared to be elected into government at the 14th March elections.

However, on the other hand and of great concern to all Spaniards, most imams in Spain, especially Catalonia, promote radical Salafism and reject integration with the local society. This would appear to be a strategic effort by this group, which does not represent the sunni majority among immigrants, but which through its dominance of the mosques is beginning to change and radicalise attitudes among them.

Source: AC Press