A planned tribute event to Ali Khamenei in Molenbeek sparked controversy and was ultimately cancelled shortly before it was scheduled to take place.
Event planned at a local hall
The gathering was scheduled for Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at the Salle Royale on Rue de Bonne in Molenbeek. The event was reportedly organized by the association Meshkat.
A promotional image circulated on social media in Arabic described the event as a “commemoration of the unjust martyrdom of the great religious guide and eminent leader, Imam Khamenei.”
The tribute had not yet been officially announced publicly when it began generating criticism online and among local political figures.
Political backlash and planned counter-protest
The planned event prompted strong reactions, including from Melissa Amirkhizy, who publicly opposed the gathering and announced plans for a counter-demonstration at the same time outside the venue.
Critics argued that holding such a tribute would amount to honoring a highly controversial political figure linked to the Iranian regime.
Venue cancels the gathering
Amid the growing controversy and preparations for a counter-protest, the manager of the Salle Royale announced that the event would no longer take place.
The venue stated it had only been responsible for hosting the event and decided to cancel it before it occurred.
