31st July 2023 – (Stockholm) Sweden and Denmark are currently grappling with widespread Muslim anger and international scrutiny following government-approved demonstrations involving the burning of Quran copies in both countries. In response, the Danish government is actively seeking legal measures to prevent such burnings in front of foreign embassies, while the Swedish migration agency is re-evaluating the residency permit of an Iraqi refugee responsible for multiple Quran desecrations. While both nations condemn these acts, they face challenges in curbing them due to free speech protections. The situation has drawn condemnation from Muslim nations, leading to protests outside the embassies of Sweden and Denmark, some of which have turned violent.
Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen expressed the Danish government’s determination to find a legal solution to prevent Quran burnings in front of foreign embassies in Denmark. Rasmussen called these burnings deeply offensive and reckless acts committed by a few individuals, emphasizing that they do not represent the values upon which Danish society is built.
The Swedish migration agency has taken action against an Iraqi refugee responsible for Quran desecrations in Stockholm. This individual burned a copy of the Quran near Stockholm’s central mosque and organized a demonstration in front of the Iraqi embassy, where he threatened to burn the holy book but did not carry out the act. In response to information from Swedish authorities, the migration agency is re-evaluating the man’s residency permit, considering the need for potential revocation.
Sweden and Denmark have recently faced global scrutiny due to anti-Islam protests involving the desecration and burning of the Quran. While both countries deplore these actions, they are constrained by rules protecting free speech, making it difficult to prevent such incidents. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed concern about the risk of serious consequences if further protests involving Quran desecrations are approved. The Stockholm police have also received applications for demonstrations that include burning other religious books, such as the Christian and Hebrew Bible, drawing criticism from various quarters.
Swedish courts have ruled that police cannot intervene to stop burnings of holy scriptures. However, the Swedish government announced its intention to review the Public Order Act in July, exploring the possibility of granting police the authority to prevent Quran burnings. These developments have sparked a debate about striking a balance between freedom of speech and protecting religious sentiments.
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