Verdict in the Menzil lodge case in the Netherlands: A new chapter in the inheritance crisis

In the Menzil community, inheritance disputes that began among the sons of Abdulbaki Elhüseyni following his death in 2023 have entered a new phase. The "Democratic Youth Foundation" building in the Netherlands, one of the community's significant properties abroad, was at the center of the ongoing property lawsuit between two brothers.

WHOSE NAME IS ON THE LODGE'S DEED?

The deed for the lodge building used by the "Democratic Youth Foundation" (Stichting Democratische Jongeren), which operates in the Dutch city of Enschede, was registered in the name of Mübarek Elhüseyni. Mübarek Elhüseyni reiterated in court that he purchased this building in his capacity as a businessman and with his personal capital, stating, "As a businessman, I purchased these places with my own personal wealth. Yes, these properties may have been rented to religious foundations; however, they were acquired entirely with my own money. They have no connection to any religious structure."

On the other hand, the eldest brother and one of the prominent figures of the community, Saki Elhüseyni, argued that the building was the common property of the community and could not be accepted as private property. Supporters of Saki Elhüseyni expressed the view that "This is not an inheritance, it is the property of the Ummah."

RENT CRISIS BETWEEN COMPANIES

The lease agreement made in 2016 between Mübarek Elhüseyni and "Semerşah Europa," one of the community's business networks in Europe, became critical in later years due to retroactive debts and payments. It was reported that as of 2021, a total of 23,500 euros (approximately 212,858 TL) in rent had been paid for this property, which is located in the Twente region of Overijssel and is stated to belong to the company "Vastgoed Erol B.V.," which bears the Elhüseyni family's former surname. However, there was an outstanding rent debt of 11,500 euros (approximately 375,000 TL). The letter sent to the company emphasized that this debt must be paid off with interest within two weeks, otherwise the lodge would have to be vacated.

'PROPERTY OF THE UMMAH' DEFENSE REJECTED IN COURT PROCESS

The Dutch court hearing the case ruled that the building is the private property of Mübarek Elhüseyni, thereby concluding the case. Consequently, it was decided that the lodge building used by the foundation must be vacated. The objections presented in court claiming that "This is the property of the Ummah" were not accepted as valid grounds.

While the inheritance tension within the Menzil community over various properties both domestically and abroad continues, this key case in the Netherlands has also laid bare the divisions within the community regarding the distribution of assets. The process is expected to set a precedent for other lawsuits.

News Source: 12punto