Muslim Imam Deported from Italy: Says It is Okay to Marry a 9-Year Old Girl
Pakistani imam Ali Kashif was deported from Italy after a sting by Fuori dal Coro exposed remarks supporting child marriage, triggering public outrage and legal action.
A Pakistani imam, Ali Kashif, who had been living in Italy for six years, came under intense scrutiny after a sting operation by the TV programme Fuori dal Coro exposed his controversial views.
In the episode, aired in January 2026, an undercover reporter posed as a prospective convert and discussed marriage practices.
During the conversation, Kashif allegedly stated that girls as young as nine could be married and that eligibility begins after their first menstruation. When the footage resurfaced and went viral in early April, it sparked widespread outrage.
Authorities in Brescia reviewed the clip, with officials warning that his statements could threaten public order by appearing to endorse child marriage—something strictly against Italian law. It was also discovered that he no longer held a valid residence permit.
Acting swiftly, the government led by Giorgia Meloni ordered his deportation under laws allowing removal of individuals deemed a risk to public safety, even without a criminal conviction.
Within days, he was taken into custody, escorted to Milan Malpensa Airport, and flown back to Pakistan. The move drew praise from many who supported the government’s firm stance on upholding national laws and child protection standards.
