The municipality of Delft has formally apologised for a controversial investigation into the city’s Islamic community, which targeted the board and visitors of the Al-Ansaar mosque. In a statement posted on the municipality’s website, Mayor Alexander Pechtold expressed his sincere regrets, noting his awareness of the pain and impact the research has caused.
The investigation was conducted in 2017 and 2018 as part of a wider effort by several Dutch municipalities to monitor radicalisation and extremism. The Al-Ansaar Foundation successfully sued for access to the investigative reports. During the legal proceedings, the court found it plausible that there was no legal basis for the investigation.
This apology marks a shift in the city’s position. Last year, the former mayor, Marja van Bijsterveldt, expressed regret over the study’s impact but stopped short of an apology, maintaining that the municipality had acted in good faith.
Abdelmonim Maanaoui, president of the Al-Ansaar Foundation, welcomed the acknowledgment that the investigation was unlawful. He stated that the foundation has now resumed its partnership with the city. Maanaoui noted that the research had been particularly hurtful because the mosque had always maintained a positive relationship with local authorities.
Mayor Pechtold confirmed his commitment to rebuilding that bond. He stated his intention to work closely with the Al-Ansaar mosque’s board and visitors to restore mutual trust and continue their cooperation.
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