Italian authorities have identified more than 1,200 informal Muslim prayer halls and community centers across the country, according to the daily Il Giornale. Of these, around 150 are under particular scrutiny by counterterrorism authorities and the domestic intelligence service because of their strongly fundamentalist orientation.

The newspaper said intelligence services were also focusing on between 400 and 500 individuals, including radical preachers, self-proclaimed imams and young people described as radicalized and ready to carry out high-profile actions.

The article cited the Venice area as an example, where disputes over community and prayer spaces have become intertwined with public safety and building-code concerns. Authorities are also monitoring opaque foreign funding channels and the influence of ultra-conservative movements.

Il Giornale said Italy had adopted a zero-tolerance approach toward people spreading antisemitism since 7 October 2023, with more than 100 expulsions ordered on security grounds through 2026. Counterterrorism agencies are also coordinating checks, social-media monitoring and efforts to trace financial flows.

(mja)