January 5, 2007
Source: BBC News
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6235451.stm
The Italian government plans to introduce strict checks on the sources of foreign money used to build mosques in the country.
Italy's interior minister is considering setting up a foundation which would monitor foreign funding for religious buildings and mosques.
A similar system already exists in France.
Italy now has 1.2 million Muslims, making Islam the country's second biggest religion after Catholicism.
Giving alms is a religious obligation in Islam.
But some foreign charities distributing funds in Europe have been accused of supporting extremist groups.