Mosque leader says it has nothing to hide but avoids questions

Karim Askari, chairman of the Muslim Association of Iceland, says the leaders of Reykjavik’s Grand Mosque have nothing to hide and are willing to answer questions, but he did not respond to questions from mbl.is about the mosque’s positions on apostasy and gay rights.

Askari made the comments in a written reply after mbl.is journalists repeatedly tried to reach him by phone. He referred instead to answers he had given to Mannlíf, which did not ask the same questions.

Asked by Mannlíf whether the mosque unequivocally opposed the death penalty for apostasy, Askari said the Muslim Association of Iceland operates under Icelandic law and respects constitutional rights. The mosque has no judicial authority or role in imposing punishments, he said, adding that it supports the rights guaranteed by Icelandic law.

Askari has not clearly stated whether the association condemns the death penalty for apostasy or what its position is on gay rights. He also has not said who arranged or approved a lecture by Pakistani religious leader Muhammad Taqi Usmani at the mosque on October 21.

After mbl.is first reported the lecture, Askari told the outlet that 99 per cent of its coverage was wrong but did not specify what he disputed. He criticised the newspaper for not sending questions before publishing its report. Vísir reported that Askari said he did not want to answer mbl.is and accused the outlet of spreading hatred.