Residents in a block of flats on the prestigious Tower Road, Sliema, have filed a judicial protest against the owner, occupier and the Malta Environment and Planning Authority for "continuing to break the law" by operating an "illegal mosque" in the heart of the town.

Residents said they had seen activity, including people praying in the mosque, very recently.

The mosque, situated in Tower Road, is still operating despite being declared illegal by Mepa and by the Court of Appeal and despite reports appearing on The Times.

The mosque is situated on the ground floor of a block of apartments near the Preluna Hotel, displaying prominent signs such as "There is no God save Allah. Mohammed is the Messenger of Allah".

Residents have no qualms about any religion - so long as it is practised in venues allowed by law. They argue that concrete action should have been taken against the occupiers following the rulings.

In a judicial protest filed by their lawyer, Franco Vassallo, against Harry Calleja, Toutoungi Mowafak and Mepa, the residents appealed to Mr Calleja and Mr Mowafak to abide by the rulings of the Court of Appeal.

The residents also made a strong appeal to Mepa to do its duty and enforce its own enforcement notice.

Action against the owner and occupier of the "mosque" was started by Mepa two years ago, based on an unauthorised development consisting of a sign/advert on the façade and on having materially changed the use of the premises into one of public worship, religious teaching or social activities of a religious body.

An appeal against enforcement was lodged by the occupiers but it was dismissed by the planning appeals board. The case then went to the Court of Appeal before Mr Justice Ray Pace. A few months ago, the court turned down the appeal and enforcement officers have on various occasions tried to convince the occupiers to abide by the court order and stop using the premises illegally.

Last December, Dr Vassallo, on behalf of some residents, told The Times he could not understand how the authorities used two weights and two measures.

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