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A homeless Moroccan man has built himself a shelter right next to the perimeter wall of King Albert II’s home, Laken Castle. El Hassan has constructed a small hut in a stretch of woodland between the castle wall and the busy Van Praatlaan.
A practicing Muslim, El Hassan prays regularly.
He has even built himself a small mosque complete with prayer mat in the corner of his little house.
Despite the house having been built from wood and rubbish that El Hassan found along the roadside, it is not entirely lacking in creature comforts.
He has an old stove to keep himself warm and even electricity.
The only thing he is lacking is running water.
El Hassan was born and raised in Morocco, but has lived in Europe for the past seven years.
He came to Belgium a few months ago and set about constructing a home on the Van Praetlaan in Laken.
His little house has been built entirely from rubbish and waste that had been left behind at the side of the road.
When asked if he knew about his famous neighbour, El Hassan said that he had no idea that he had set up home right next door to the King.
He added that he just hoped to be allowed to live in peace in his little house.
flandersnews.be