Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni took swift and decisive action following a provocative sermon delivered by a Pakistani imam who has lived in Italy for 30 years. The imam, based in Bologna, called on Muslims to “fight the infidels or face catastrophic consequences,” sparking widespread alarm and condemnation across the country.
The fiery speech, which reportedly included calls for resistance against Western states and warnings of dire outcomes if his message was ignored, prompted Meloni to personally order the imam’s immediate deportation. This move underscored the Italian government’s zero-tolerance stance on religious extremism and radicalism within its borders.
The imam, Zulfiqar Khan, a 54-year-old Pakistani national who entered Italy in 1995, had his residence permit revoked alongside the deportation order. Italian authorities cited his growing ideological fanaticism and radical rhetoric, which included anti-Western, antisemitic, homophobic, and anti-feminist sentiments. His sermons also praised Hamas and criticized Israel, further fueling concerns about his influence and connections to extremist groups in the Bologna area.
Meloni’s intervention was notable for its speed and firmness, reflecting her administration’s broader hardline policies on national security and immigration. While Khan had lived in Italy for three decades, the government emphasized that longevity of residence does not excuse or protect calls for violence and hatred.
The case has reignited debates in Italy and across Europe about the balance between freedom of speech, religious freedom, and the imperative to safeguard national security. Supporters of Meloni’s decision argue that public safety and the prevention of extremist ideologies must take precedence, while critics caution against potential overreach and the stigmatization of Muslim communities.
This deportation follows similar actions in Europe, including France’s expulsion of Omar Binladin, the eldest son of Osama Bin Laden, for comments advocating terrorism. Italy’s firm response signals a clear message that extremist rhetoric will not be tolerated, regardless of how long an individual has lived in the country.
The imam’s deportation serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges European nations face in monitoring integration and combating radicalization, even among those who have long called these countries home.
