The Lebanese cultural association in Malmö writes in a press release that the imam acted in a way that does not represent the association. They further write that sermons “are expected to be in line with the association’s values, which include a commitment to peace, democracy and the rule of law.”.
Called Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah a martyr
Following a decision by the association’s board, the imam will neither be allowed to give Friday sermons nor lead any prayers until further notice. According to the press release, the association must also offer continuing education to all imams.
The background to the decision is that SVT Nyheter Skåne, with the help of a hidden recording, was able to show that during a Friday prayer at the Lebanese Cultural Association in Malmö, imam Sami Al-Tameemi paid tribute to the recently killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
The defense: Didn’t know Hezbollah’s terror classification
He described Nasrallah as a martyr and called him “a wise and insightful man with high morals” among other things.
He himself said that he did not know that Hezbollah is classified as a terrorist within the EU and believes that he praised Nasrallah as a Shia Muslim.
SVT Nyheter Skåne is looking for Sami Al-Tameemi and representatives of the Lebanese Cultural Association’s board.