Italy moves to reopen mosques after historic deal

Italy moves to reopen mosques after historic deal

ROME: The Italian government has signed a landmark agreement with leading Muslim organizations that will allow mosques and Islamic centers to reopen as part of an easing of the country's coronavirus lockdown.. Mosques, prayer rooms and Islamic centers have been shut, along with other places of worship, since the lockdown began on March 9.. The protocol was signed by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese, and representatives of four Islamic organizations - Coreis (Italian Islamic Religious Community), the Great Mosque of Rome, Union of Communities and Islamic Organizations in Italy, and the Italian Islamic Confederation.. Yassine Lafram, president of the Union of Islamic Communities in Italy, told the Italian prime minister that mosques will remain closed for Eid Al-Fitr regardless of the agreement.. "We will not open our mosques and Islamic centers before May 24 when Ramadan will be over.. "We invite Islamic communities belonging to our union to keep mosques and prayer rooms closed until after May 24, not to celebrate the collective prayer of Eid Al-Fitr, and to raise awareness and prepare for reopening in complete safety.". "It will be painful not to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr together in our prayer room as we do every year..