Several Muslim-majority countries have condemned the burning of a copy of the Koran in Sweden during a protest. Salwan Momika, believed to be an Iraqi living in Sweden, burned a copy of the Islamic text outside Stockholm’s central mosque on Wednesday.
Middle Eastern countries, including Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, have strongly criticized the fire. And Türkiye, a NATO member that has a say in Sweden’s membership, called it a “despicable act”.
Turkey, which was also angered by the Koran burning protests earlier this year, said it was “unacceptable” to allow such “anti-Muslim acts” to take place “under the guise of freedom” speech”.
Quran is seen as God’s holy word by Muslims and any act of willful harm or disrespect to it as deeply offensive.
Wednesday’s burning of the Quran comes as Muslims around the world celebrate the first day of Eid al-Adha, one of the most important holidays in the Islamic calendar.
Swedish police have allowed Momika to protest, under the law on freedom of speech. But later, police said the incident was being investigated for incitement to hate.
The protest also angered other countries. Sweden’s Morocco Ambassador was recalled and summoned the Swedish charge d’affaires to Rabat.
Iraq said the incident was “a reflection of a hateful belligerent spirit that has nothing to do with freedom of expression” Iraq government said
Iran echoed Iraq’s criticism, calling the burning of the Koran “provocative” and “unacceptable”, while Egypt described it as a “shameful” act especially provocative when people Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha.
Saudi Arabia – the destination of about 1.8 million worshipers for this week’s annual Hajj pilgrimage – said “these heinous and repeated acts cannot be tolerated with any justification”. any”.
The cremation of the Koran was “legal but inappropriate” said Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. Plans to burn the Korans have sparked riots in Sweden in recent months.
Police recently denied similar protest requests, but courts later ruled that they should be allowed for free speech reasons.
