Belgium continues in case of 'dangerous' imam

brussels - The Belgian government does not accept that the controversial imam of the Grand Mosque of Brussels can remain in the country. The Council for Aliens Disputes canceled Tuesday the decision to withdraw the residence permit of Abdelhadi Sewif, but State Secretary Theo Francken (Asylum and Migration) announced a day later to submit the case to the Council of State.

'We are convinced of our case. Salafists are not welcome, 'says Franckens cabinet.

Sewif's residence permit was withdrawn last month because it would pose a threat to society and national security. The man appealed, whereupon the Council for Aliens Disputes ruled that the decision was insufficiently motivated.

The Great Mosque in Brussels is largely financed by Saudi Arabia. The prayer house and the neighboring Islamic and Cultural Center are associated with the dissemination of fundamentalist ideas.