The State Council Assembly convened on Tuesday and ruled that the state subsidy for the construction of a mosque in the Votanikos area of down town Athens is legal. The state will subsidize the construction of the mosque with 1.1 million euros, which includes the technical consultancy fee.
The mosque is to be constructed on a 17-acre plot of land belonging to the Navy, after many delays and objections. The Metropolitan Bishop of Piraeus Seraphim, along with a naturist association, two Navy lieutenant commanders and five local residents have objected to the construction.
The construction of the mosque is intended to cover the religious needs of Muslims residing in the capital and according to the State Council, all relevant legislation complies with constitutionally provided freedom of expression and religious beliefs.
