Recent media coverage
Marokkansk Trossamfunn (MT) – Masjid Attaouba (The Moroccan Religious Community) would like to provide members and other interested parties with a concise overview of a matter concerning certain historical membership registrations. The issue has recently received media attention.
Our purpose is to help ensure that the matter is understood on the basis of the information and records currently available to the Moroccan Religious Community – Masjid Attaouba.
Summary of the matter
Two closely related individuals have raised questions regarding their membership with our congregation.
The matter concerns historical membership registrations dating back to the period before the digitization of our membership records.
Over the years, the Moroccan Religious Community has maintained membership registration procedures based on membership application forms, and the membership register has been maintained using the information provided at the time of registration.
For some older memberships, the original registration date is no longer available following the digitization and conversion of the membership register.
Before the newspaper VG published its article on the matter, the Moroccan Religious Community had already contacted the County Governor (Statsforvalteren) on its own initiative and requested clarification as to whether these membership registrations may have affected public funding, and if so, for which years and amounts.
Details of the matter
The issue reported by VG concerns membership registrations made several years ago. These registrations were entered on the basis of the information received by the congregation at the time.
In 2020, the membership register was modernized and transferred to a digital platform. During the migration process, certain historical date records were not transferred to the new system. For registrations where the original membership date was no longer available after the migration, 1 January 2020 was used as a technical registration date.
Accordingly, this date reflects the time of the technical registration within the digital system and should not, by itself, be considered evidence of the actual date on which membership was established.
Following the transfer of membership information to the digital system, the remaining paper membership application forms were securely destroyed. This decision was made out of consideration for data protection requirements and because the Moroccan Religious Community – Masjid Attaouba did not have dedicated facilities for the secure long-term storage of such documents.
Public funding
Prior to VG's publication of the story, the Moroccan Religious Community proactively requested that the County Governor clarify whether the membership registrations in question had any impact on public funding, and if so, which years and amounts would be affected.
As of 25 September 2026, we have not received any claim, decision, or further information from the County Governor regarding any potential adjustment or repayment of funds. The Moroccan Religious Community will await the County Governor’s assessment and response to our inquiry.
Our responsibility going forward
For the Marokkansk Trossamfunn, Moroccan Religious Community – Masjid Attaouba, it is fundamental that our work is guided by faith, honesty, responsibility, and respect for every individual. This includes ensuring that membership is based on a person's own free choice, that membership information is handled securely and responsibly, and that public funds are managed with due care and accountability.
These same principles guide how we address questions and any deficiencies that may be identified after the fact. We will continue to follow up on this matter in an open, transparent, and responsible manner, while also using the lessons learned to strengthen our procedures and improve the quality and accuracy of our membership records.
VG’s Coverage
VG: Marokkansk trossamfunn har fått penger for Esraa (21.09.2026)
VG: Staten krever tilbake penger fra Marokkansk Trossamfunn (21.09.2026)