Mark Rutte has attracted criticism for negatively commenting upon the call to prayer.
The Hague, 28 Jumadil Awwal 1438/25 February 2017 (MINA) – Mr Rutte – who faces voters next month in the Netherlands’ parliamentary elections – was being interviewed for Holland’s Christian radio station, Evangelical Broadcast Service.
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He was asked about an earlier statement, when he had called the Muslim call to prayer song “whiny music”.
The song – played from mosque minarets – has become commonplace across the Netherlands.
But when Rutte was asked to confirm what he had said, he told show host Tijs van den Brink: “Yes, I find it horrific.”
Mr Rutte went on to warn Muslim leaders that although they have religious freedom, they should not upset non-believers, express.co.uk reported Friday..
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He said: “With the freedom of religion you can build your own places of worship.
“But it also applies that, and this is a matter for the municipality and not for the government, no disturbances are caused.”
Rutte said Muslims are allowed to build mosques, but “should take public order into account.”
Mr Rutte – leader of liberal People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy – has taken an increasingly hard line on immigration in the face of challenges from far-right groups.
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A recent warning for migrants to “act normal, or go away” outraged many in migrant communities. (T/Rs05/RS01)
Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)
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