Another Qur’an burning incident rocks Sweden, triggers ‘strong condemnation’ from Muslim leaders

Under a heavy police presence, a 37-year-old Iraqi national stomped on a copy of the holy Qur’an before setting some pages on fire outside Stockholm’s largest mosque on Wednesday. Muslim leaders across the globe have joined Saudi Arabia in condemning the incident.

Salwan Momika – who fled to Sweden years ago – was granted permission for the demonstration in line with free-speech protections. But the police later said it was probing the Qur’an burning which drew intense flak from far and wide.

Not The First Such Incident In Sweden

It isn’t the first time someone has tried to burn the holy book in Sweden. In January, a Swedish-Danish right-wing extremist set several pages of the book alight near the Turkish embassy in Stockholm, also triggering massive outrage.

In relation to the recent incident, the Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson, said the Iraqi national’s demonstration was “legal but not appropriate”. The incident occurred during the great annual Hajj pilgrimage and the blessed feast of Eid Al-Adha.

How Did Different Countries React?

Iraq

The Iraqi government released a statement late Wednesday, strongly criticising the “repeated” acts of burning copies of the holy book by people with “extremist and disturbed minds”. These acts are not only racist but also promote hatred and violence, it further read.

In a different statement on Thursday, the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Swedish Ambassador to Baghdad. The ministry raised concerns over the Swedish government’s permission for extremists to burn the Qur’an.

Meanwhile, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation said it would convene an emergency open meeting for the Executive Committee next week in Jeddah to discuss the consequences of the incident, under an invitation from Saudi Arabia, the president of the Islamic Summit.

United States

The US also condemned the incident. State Department spokesperson Matt Miller said the demonstrations potentially paved the way for an “environment of fear” that will impact the ability of religious minority groups to freely practice their religion.

Jordan

Jordan called the act an “incitement and racism”. The Foreign Ministry said burning a copy of the holy book cannot be considered a form of freedom of expression. It stressed the need to counter hate speech and stop irresponsible behaviour and actions.

Kuwait

Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said people needed to promote the values of coexistence and tolerance, adding “this serious provocative move” offends Muslims across the globe. It tried to remind the international community of their responsibility to act against religious extremism.

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Sweden’s Chances To Join NATO Getting Hurt

Iran, Turkey and Morocco were also quick enough to condemn the incident from Wednesday. Morocco recalled its ambassador to Stockholm. Calling the act “offensive and irresponsible”, the country said the incident disregards the feelings of over a billion Muslims.

Nevertheless, analysts believe the repeated Qur’an burning would likely give Turkey even more reason to hurt Sweden’s chances to join NATO. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has already accused Stockholm of harbouring Kurdish separatists who he considers terrorists.