Dutch PM Mark Rutte Causes Outrage Branding Muslim Call to Prayer ‘Horrific’ Whining

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.

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..

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.

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)