After a review with several question marks regarding a mosque project on Frösön, which is linked to a national Salafist campaign, Tahar Khalfallah is being removed from his positions on the regional and municipal election lists.

Experts warn about what the mosque construction could mean. One of them is researcher and anthropologist Aje Carlbom at Malmö University, who fears that Muslim children may be indoctrinated into a religious worldview that is anything but integration-friendly. He also believes there is no reason for Swedish authorities to assist in supporting the establishment of institutions whose agenda is to socialize children into the idea of following laws other than Swedish law.

Outwardly, it is the association Center for Peace (Markaz as-Salam) that is carrying out the fundraising, and the mosque project is part of the national campaign “Vi mår bra” (“We feel good”), which has Salafist connections. The group aims to build a mosque in every Swedish city.

Tahar Khalfallah is chairman of the Islamic Association in Östersund, with members throughout the county of Jämtland. According to Eric Jibor, vice chairman of the Östersund Workers’ Association, Khalfallah chose to leave his positions himself after discussions with the party. Jibor asserts that there are too many question marks regarding the Center for Peace association, where Khalfallah serves as chairman of the board.

Disappointed with the Social Democrats

Despite the decision to give up the positions, Khalfallah claims that Center for Peace, also known as the Islamic Association in Östersund, is the same association it has always been and that it has nothing to do with Salafism or the “Vi mår bra” campaign.

Khalfallah now says he is disappointed with the Social Democrats and believes they have acted rashly and are wrong to remove him.

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