The return of former Islamic State member Lisa Smith to her local mosque in Dundalk has sparked protests among some members of the community. Smith, who served 15 months in prison for her involvement with ISIS, has resumed attending the mosque, much to the dismay of several congregants.
Karimah Duffy, a member of the Dundalk Muslim Community Centre, expressed her frustration, stating that Smith “is not welcome here” and that many women share her sentiments. Despite their objections, the mosque’s Imam, Noah Buye, has made it clear that Smith cannot be barred from attending the mosque without a formal complaint.
Duffy, who testified during Smith’s trial at the Special Criminal Court about Smith’s conversion to Islam, says Smith continues to show up for prayers and classes, despite the discomfort her presence causes. “We don’t want her here,” Duffy said, voicing concerns about the risks of allowing Smith back into the community. “She caused us two years of stress. We told everyone we had no connection with her, but she just turns up during prayer time, and no one can tell her to leave.”
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Imam Buye acknowledged the concerns but stressed that no official complaints have been lodged with him or the mosque’s management. He explained that, as an Irish citizen, Smith has the right to practice her faith freely, and unless there are legal restrictions imposed by the government, the mosque cannot exclude her.
“We can’t stop her from attending the mosque,” the Imam explained. “She has the same rights as anyone else in the community. If people have concerns, they need to bring them up formally, not through the media.”
The Imam urged those with concerns to approach the mosque management directly to discuss the issue rather than taking their grievances to the press.