Thousands of Muslims surround the Colosseum in Rome, demanding the government stop closing mosques

Thousands of Muslims offered Friday prayers near Rome's Colosseum to protest at the closure of mosques and other places of worship in Italy.



The prayer demonstration was staged over what they see as unfair restrictions on freedom to practise their faith in the country, according to organisers who called the protest following the recent closure of five makeshift mosques on administrative grounds.



Hundreds of Muslims have gathered near Rome's Colosseum to pray and protest the closures of mosques and other places of worship.



An imam led the group in chants of "Allah Akbar" which means "God is great," as they kneeled to the ground facing the Colosseum.



Hundreds of Muslims in Rome have held their Friday prayers in front of the Colosseum in protest at the closure of unlicensed mosques.



Several hundred Muslims staged a protest prayer outside the Colosseum in Rome on Friday over what they see as unfair restrictions on their freedom to practise their faith in Italy.



Organisers said they had called the demonstration following the recent closure on administrative grounds of five makeshift mosques.



Thousands of Muslims gathered outside Rome's Colosseum to protest the closure of mosques and other places of worship in the Italian capital.



The group gathered outside the iconic ancient Roman building to pray as they promoted their right of freedom to worship during the peaceful march yesterday.



An imam led the group in chants of 'Allah Akbar' which means 'God is great,' as they kneeled to the ground facing the Colosseum.