Belgian State Secretary for Asylum and Migration, Theo Francken refused to issue long-term visas to 12 imams from Turkey who intended to conduct sermons in unrecognized mosques, RIA Novosti reported quoting Dernière Heure.

“Court confirmed my decision to refuse visa for foreign imams coming to work in unrecognised mosques,” he tweeted.

According to the newspaper, mullahs planned to preach in Ghent, Namur, Bilzen and Ghent.

Ten out of 12 imams filed complaints against Francken's decision in the Belgian Council. Four complaints have already been rejected. The Council explained this with the fact that the right to freedom of religion was not violated, as the Turkish imams are outside of Belgium and don't fall under jurisdiction of the Belgian state.