Venetian Muslims Threaten Strike Over Denied Mosque Permit in Mestre

For years the Bangladeshi population in Venice has sought to build a purpose-built mosque costing €20 million on land once used as a sawmill in Via Giustizia, Mestre. The city’s planning office rejected the permit, with Mayor Simone Venturini stating that the community must first demonstrate progress in women’s integration, Italian language acquisition, and local participation. Prince Howlander, head of Youths for Humanity, announced that the group would organize a strike targeting Fincantieri shipyards, tourism venues and related businesses unless the project is approved.

He also threatened street protests, claiming the strike could halt operations in Mestre and Marghera. Venturini emphasized that zoning for places of worship is a discretionary council matter and that the current proposal remains an imposing, multi-storey design unsuitable for the city. He cited examples such as full-face veils and low employment rates as signs of insufficient integration.