The Danish government is moving to exclude a high-ranking Muslim leader, Hafiz Muhammad Idrees, from a bill that would grant him Danish citizenship. Minister for Immigration and Integration Kaare Dybvad Bek announced the decision to Berlingske, citing a need for further investigation.

The move comes amid a political debate surrounding Idrees’s eligibility, despite him meeting the standard criteria for citizenship. Idrees, a leader in the Danish branch of Minhaj-ul-Quran with Pakistani roots, has become a focal point in discussions about who should be granted Danish citizenship.

The government’s decision follows criticism from bourgeois parties, particularly the Danish People’s Party, who advocate for a more rigorous review process and oppose the automatic granting of citizenship in Idrees’s case. Concerns have been raised about Idrees promoting books that allegedly promote theocratic and Islamist ideologies, including concepts of “sharia,” “stoning,” and “whipping” for infidelity.

Bek emphasized that Danish citizenship represents a significant expression of trust and stated that individuals with anti-democratic views should not be granted citizenship. The situation raises questions about the criteria for citizenship and whether a person’s beliefs should be a factor in the decision-making process.

This development follows previous instances where applicants were questioned about their social media activity before ultimately being granted citizenship, highlighting the ongoing debate about the thoroughness of the review process.