The Dutch government is to look into the possibility of banning controversial imams from coming to the Netherlands even if they live in another European country.

Currently only imams from outside the EU who are suspected of spreading hatred can be refused entry. However, the ruling Liberal VVD wants the blacklist to include spiritual leaders from other EU countries as well.

Justice minister Ard van der Steur has described the VVD suggestion as ‘interesting’ and will take it into consideration, his spokesman said at the weekend.

The Dutch counter terrorism unit is currently compiling an ‘alert’ list of so-called ‘hate imams’ but that does not cover people who do not require a visa.

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