Dutch PM Mark Rutte causes outrage branding Muslim call to prayer 'horrific' whining
DUTCH Prime Minister Mark Rutte has outraged Muslim leaders after describing the Islamic call to prayer singing as "horrific" whining.
Mark Rutte has attracted criticism for negatively commenting upon the call to prayer
Mr Rutte - who faces voters next month in the Netherlands' parliamentary elections - was being interviewed for Holland's Christian radio station, Evangelical Broadcast Service.
He was asked about an earlier statement, when he had called the Muslim call to prayer song "whiny music".
The song - played from mosque minarets - has become commonplace across the Netherlands.
Imam gives muslim call to prayer at cathedral
But when Rutte was asked to confirm what he had said, he told show host Tijs van den Brink: "Yes, I find it horrific."
I find it horrific.
Mr Rutte went on to warn Muslim leaders that although they have religious freedom, they should not upset non-believers.
He said: "With the freedom of religion you can build your own places of worship.
"But it also applies that, and this is a matter for the municipality and not for the government, no disturbances are caused."
Rutte has taken a more hardline approach to immigration in the wake of Geert Wilders' popularity
Rutte said Muslims are allowed to build mosques, but "should take public order into account."
Mr Rutte - leader of liberal People's Party for Freedom and Democracy - has taken an increasingly hard line on immigration in the face of challenges from far-right groups.
A recent warning for migrants to "act normal, or go away" outraged many in migrant communities.