GroenLinks candidate Kauthar Bouchallikht gave Monday after days of silence an interview Faithful about the Muslim Brotherhood, her work for Femsyo, why she presented a workshop for Milli Görüş and so on. And now Muslim clubs Milli Görüş and the Dutch Islamic Federation are angry, according to the press release they sent out on Monday:
Subject: statement by Kauthar Bouchallikht
We have taken note of the statements of GroenLinks candidate Kauthar Bouchallikht in Trouw of 23 November last. The statement of Ms. Bouchallikht is very disappointing and is knowingly working on the demonization of the Muslim community in the Netherlands, in particular Milli Görüş.
Ms Bouchallikht knows better than anyone that Muslims, including the youth branch of Milli Görüş, have to jump through various hoops to prove that they participate in society. We also deeply regret that in this case Ms Bouchallikht is throwing an Islamic organization, rooted in Dutch society, in front of the bus to strengthen its position within the party and, in addition, indicating if ‘GroenLinkser would not visit one of the meetings of Milli Görüş ‘.
In the context of political participation, Milli Görüş organizes evening debates to inform the local community about the positions of political parties. GroenLinks also participates in these meetings in which party ideals are proclaimed. The fact that Mrs. Bouchallikht chooses to keep her distance from our mosques is not in line with the line of her party members.
For Milli Görüş, it is not the first time that our organization has been the plaything for political parties in the run-up to elections. Nonetheless, it continues to surprise us that these kinds of demonizing words can be spoken by politicians who are precisely nurtured and inspired by organizations like Milli Görüş. We therefore regret the path taken by Mrs Bouchallikht.
Nevertheless, we wish her every success and wisdom in the coming period. Like any other party member, Ms. Bouchallikht is also welcome in our places of worship and gatherings, with or without an inclusive tone. We hope that Ms Bouchallikht will contribute to the emancipation of Muslims by also involving Muslim organizations instead of excluding them. This is what we understand by inclusivity.
Sincerely,
MG NN – Chairman Mustafa Hamurcu
NIF – Chairman Mustafa Aktalan
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