The fourth section of Greece’s Council of State (CoE) ruled today that preparatory works for the construction of an Islamic mosque in Votanikos area of Athens Municipality are allowed to proceed.
The CoE had picked up the case submitted by 111 residents of neighboring Elaionas area. Citing the status of being Greek Christian Orthodox Citizens, the residents had demanded that the CoE annuals the construction of the mosque as “unconstitutional and illegal”. The same gorup had appealed at CoE also in 2013 but their appeal was rejected.
The first who had appealed to CoE was hardcore Metropolit of Piraeus Seraphim. The case was rejected as the Metropolit was absent when the CoE took up the case.
the Fourth Sections of CoE rejected also today the appeal saying that all residents’ claims with regards to environmental and construction regulations were “unfounded.”
The Mosque covering an area of 850 sq.m., and having a capacity for 300 men and 50 women is designed to meet the religious needs of Muslims living in the country.
The Mosque issue in Athens is a … long painful and never ending story. Hurdles may come to an end now.
