A convicted far-right leader in Sweden has received permission to burn a copy of the Koran outside the Turkish embassy in Stockholm - as the country battles to convince President Erdogan to let it join NATO.
Rasmus Paludan, 41, has a permit to burn the book in front of the building on Saturday 21 January, to coincide with two related demonstrations planned in protest of Turkey.
Danish-Swedish Paludan said he wants to 'mark some freedom of speech' after the hanging of an effigy of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan near the Stockholm city hall provoked a strong response in Turkey. Sweden also condemned the stunt.
The decision to allow the burning of the Koran comes amid strained relations between Sweden and Turkey, following the latter's decision to push back on Swedish ascension to NATO.
Sweden and Finland have sought NATO membership since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but their bids must be approved by all 30 NATO member states.
The two Nordic countries still rely on votes from Turkey and Hungary, which Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has promised to deliver in 2023.
But Turkish officials said the effigy hanging by pro-Kurdish activists last week was contrary to an agreement made previously under which Sweden and Finland would crack down on Kurdish militants as both seek Turkish approval for NATO membership.
Sweden is home to a large number of Kurds, many of whom fled Turkish persecution in the late 1980s and subsequent crises in the Middle East.
Turkish foreign minister Melvut Cavusoglu said that Swedish inaction over the effigy was 'absurd' and that Sweden should not try to fool Turkey by calling the act 'freedom of speech'.
In recent days, the country has increased the pressure on Sweden, demanding 130 so-called 'terrorists' be extradited to Turkey before the Turkish parliament will approve NATO bids.
Islamophobic provocations are appalling. Sweden has a far-reaching freedom of expression, but it does not imply that the Swedish Government, or myself, support the opinions expressed.
Freedom of expression is a fundamental part of democracy. But what is legal is not necessarily appropriate. Burning books that are holy to many is a deeply disrespectful act. I want to express my sympathy for all Muslims who are offended by what has happened in Stockholm today.
Press Release Regarding the Demonstration Organized in Sweden by the PKK-affiliated Groups
We condemn in the strongest possible terms the vile attack on our holy book, the Quran, in Sweden today (21 January), despite our repeated warnings earlier. Permitting this anti-Islam act, which targets Muslims and insults our sacred values, under the guise of “freedom of expression” is completely unacceptable. This is an outright hate crime.
This despicable act is yet another example of the alarming level that Islamophobia and, racist and discriminatory movements have reached in Europe.
We call on Swedish authorities to take necessary measures against the perpetrators of this hate crime; invite all countries as well as international organizations to take concrete steps in solidarity against Islamophobia.
Pakistan strongly condemns the abhorrent act of desecration of the Holy Quran in Sweden
Pakistan strongly condemns the abhorrent act of desecration of the Holy Quran in Sweden today.
This senseless and provocative Islamophobic act hurts the religious sensitivities of over 1.5 billion Muslims around the world. Such actions are not covered under any legitimate expression of the right to freedom of expression or opinion, which carries responsibilities under international human rights law, such as the obligation not to carry out hate speech and incite people to violence.
Islam is a religion of peace and Muslims, including in Pakistan, believe in respecting all religions. These principles must be supported by all.
The international community needs to show a common resolve against Islamophobia, xenophobia, intolerance and incitement to violence on the basis of religion or belief, and work together for promoting inter-faith harmony and peaceful coexistence.
Pakistan’s concerns are being conveyed to the authorities in Sweden. We urge them to be mindful of the sentiments of the people of Pakistan and the Muslims worldwide and take steps to prevent Islamophobic acts.
#OIC Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. #Hissein_Brahim_Taha, condemns in the strongest terms the vile act of burning the holy #Quran by far-right activists, today, 21/1/ 2023, in front of the #Turkish Embassy in #Stockholm, #Sweden, and with the permission of the #Swedish authorities.
The #OIC Secretary-General warns that this provocative action which has been committed repeatedly by far right #extremists targets #Muslims, insults their sacred values, & serves as further example of the alarming level reached by #Islamophobia, #hate, #intolerance, & #xenophobia
The #OIC Secretary-General urges the #Swedish authorities to take necessary measures against the perpetrators of this hate crime. He calls for increased international efforts to prevent re-occurrence of such acts and for solidarity to fight #Islamophobia.
Malaysia condemns in the strongest terms the Islamophobic act of the extremist Swedish-Danish far-right politician, Rasmus Paludan in burning a copy of the Holy Quran in Stockholm, Sweden on 21 January 2023.
Malaysia urges the Swedish Government to take urgent measures against the perpetrators of this vile act as well as ensuring drastic steps in the future to address the alarming rise of Islamophobia in Sweden.
Such a blatant defilement of Islam’s Holy Book by the Swedish politician and the inaction are tantamount to fomenting Islamophobia and constitutes a grave provocation to the sensitivities of not just Turkiye but more than two billion Muslims in the world.
Malaysia denounces the repeated hate crimes targeting Muslims in the world as well as all forms of incitement to hatred and the fanning of racism in word or deed and views with grave concern the rising tide of hate speech on account of faith or ethnicity.
Malaysia reiterates the paramount importance of upholding the principles of dialogue, engagement and mutual respect in the settlement of disputes and calls on the international community to reject race or religious baiting under the guise of freedom of expression and to remain united against all forms of incitement to hate and violence.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates condemns the burning of a copy of the Holy Quran today in the Swedish capital, Stockholm.
The Ministry affirmed the Kingdom's rejection and condemnation of this act, which fuels hatred and violence, and threatens peaceful coexistence.
The Ministry emphasized that spreading and promoting a culture of peace and acceptance of the other, and raising awareness of the values of mutual respect, enriching harmony and tolerance, and rejecting extremism, fanaticism and incitement to hatred is a collective responsibility that everyone must abide by.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman reacts to desecration of the Holy Quran in Sweden
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has strongly condemned the continuation of the defiling of the Holy Quran in European countries, which this time around happened in Sweden.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has strongly condemned the continuation of the defiling of the Holy Quran in European countries, which this time around happened in Sweden.
Kanaani said unfortunately, some European countries have let extremists to spew hate and insult Islamic sanctities and values under the baseless pretext of supporting freedom of speech. He added that these European countries are only institutionalizing Islamophobia in their societies in contradiction to their ostensibly beautiful pro-human rights slogans.
Kanaani noted that the repetition of insult to the divine book of 1.5 billion Muslims is a gross example of hate-mongering and promotion of violence against all Muslims. He stressed that such actions have nothing to do with freedom of speech and freedom of thought.
Kanaani further underlined that the public opinion of the Muslim world expects the Swedish government to prevent such Islamophobic acts and to not let those who hurt the feelings of Muslims get away with it.
Qatar condemns and denounces the Swedish authorities' permission to burn a copy of the Quran in front of the Turkish embassy in Stockholm
The State of Qatar condemns and denounces in the strongest terms the Swedish authorities' permission to burn a copy of the Quran in front of the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm. It also emphasizes that this vile incident is an act of incitement and a serious provocation to the feelings of more than two billion Muslims in the world.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms the State of Qatar's total rejection of all forms of hate speech based on religion or race in addition to rejecting the involvement of sanctities in political disputes. The Ministry warns that hate campaigns against Islam and the discourse of Islamophobia witnessed a dangerous escalation through the continued systematic calls for repeated targeting of Muslims in the world.
In this context, the Ministry calls on the international community to shoulder its responsibilities to reject hatred, discrimination, incitement and violence, and stresses the importance of upholding the principles of dialogue and mutual understanding.
The Ministry reiterates Qatar's full support for the values of tolerance and coexistence, and its keenness to establish the principles of international peace and security through dialogue and understanding.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's strong condemnation and denunciation of the Swedish authorities' allowing an extremist to burn a copy of the Holy Quran in front of the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the Kingdom's firm position calling for the importance of spreading the values of dialogue, tolerance and coexistence, and rejecting hatred and extremism.
UAE condemns the burning of a copy of the Holy Quran in Sweden
The UAE has strongly condemned the burning of a copy of the holy Quran in front of the Republic of Türkiye Embassy in Sweden, by an extremist.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) affirmed the UAE's rejection of all practices aimed at destabilizing security and stability in contravention of human and moral values and principles.
The ministry renewed its enduring call to renounce hate speech and violence and underscored the need to respect religious symbols and avoid inciting hatred by insulting religions. Furthermore, the ministry reiterated the need to spread the values of tolerance and coexistence.
Kuwait condemns burning of Holy Quran in Stockholm
Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Salem Al-Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Saturday strongly condemned and denounced the burning by an extremist of a copy of the Holy Quran in front of the Turkish embassy in Stockholm, which hurt Muslims’ sentiments across the world and marks a serious provocation.
In a press statement, the minister called on the international community to shoulder responsibility by stopping such unacceptable acts, denouncing all forms of hatred and extremism and bringing the perpetrators to account. He also called for differentiating between politics and religion, promoting the values of dialogue, tolerance and peaceful coexistence among peoples and preventing any form of blasphemy of all divine religions.
The Kingdom of Bahrain condemns the burning of a copy of the Holy Quran in Sweden
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed the Kingdom of Bahrain's condemnation and strong denunciation of the Swedish authorities' allowing an extremist to burn a copy of the Holy Qur'an in front of the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Stockholm, as a serious provocation to the feelings of millions of Muslims, an incitement to religious hatred, and a violation of international human rights principles and covenants.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the Kingdom of Bahrain's call on the international community to assume its responsibilities in criminalizing acts and calls that incite extremism and religious or racial hatred, including combating Islamophobia, xenophobia and anti-Muslim crimes, preventing offense to all religions, beliefs, sanctities and religious symbols, and constructive cooperation in establishing a culture of peace, tolerance and mutual respect. Dialogue and coexistence among nations, religions and civilisations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemns in the strongest possible terms the burning and desecration of the Holy Quran in Sweden
The Islamic Emirates calls on the Swedish Government to punish the perpetrator and prevent such individuals from engaging in such vile and provocative anti-Islamic and anti-Muslim acts.
Egypt harshly condemned the burning of a Quran book in the Swedish capital, Stockholm.
A statement by Egypt’s Foreign Ministry on Saturday said this was “A disgraceful act that provokes the feelings of hundreds of millions of Muslims around the world.”
Egypt warned of the dangers of acts that offend religions and fuels hate speech and violence.
It called to uphold tolerance and coexistence and to prevent any insults to religion through extreme insults that violate human rights and freedom of belief.
The Kingdom of Morocco strongly condemns the actions of Swedish extremists who burned the Holy Quran, on Saturday in Stockholm, expressing its categorical rejection of this dangerous act.
Morocco is astonished by the authorization by the Swedish authorities of this unacceptable act which took place in front of the Swedish forces of order, and asks them to intervene to prevent the attack on the Holy Koran and the sacred religious symbols of Muslims.
Morocco considers that this heinous act, which offends more than a billion Muslims, is likely to stir up anger and hatred between religions and peoples.
The values of tolerance and coexistence require abandoning double standards and acting with the same intransigence and firmness towards any attack on the sacred symbols of religions and the feelings of their followers.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Sultanate of Oman's strong condemnation of extremists' actions in Sweden to burn a copy of the Noble Qur’an, and strongly condemn the proverbs.
These provocative actions against the feelings of Muslims and their sanctities and what they represent is an incitement to violence and hatred. She stressed the need for concerted international efforts to consolidate the values of tolerance, coexistence and respect, and to criminalize all acts that promote the ideology of extremism and hatred and offending religions and beliefs.
Some Muslims in the Turkish city of Mardin share roses to Christians in Church (in reaction to the burning of the Quran).
"As Muslims, we thought about how could we respond to the incident in Sweden yesterday. We decided to follow our Prophet Muhammad. Today, we will visit churches and respond to the incident according to Muslim values. We will distribute roses to them,” (One of the participants said).
Rasmus Paludan has been at the centre of anti-Islamic politics in northern Europe for several years.
He rose to fame with the launch of his far-right party Stram Kurs, which translates as 'Hard Line', in Denmark in 2017.
The lawyer and YouTuber is known for burning the Koran and for calling for the deportation of all Muslims from Denmark.
Paludan previously said: 'The enemy is Islam and Muslims. The best thing would be if there were not a single Muslim left on this earth. Then we would have reached our final goal.'
Stram Kurs has gained some traction in Denmark as the country's traditional nationalist party, the Danish People's Party, has lost ground.
In April last year, 40 were wounded during riots in Sweden after a rally led by Paludan, which received permission to go ahead from police, saw clashes with counter-protestors.
Four police cars were set on fire and at least five were injured as protestors threw rocks and attacked police cordons.
Paludan led the rally in Sweden to gather support ahead of elections in September 2022, planning to burn the Koran during the holy month of Ramadan.
Let that man better hide cause Arab people no dey forgive,they won't rest until they draw blood ,all of them are fanatics ,can't wrap my head how you will be fighting for Allah you serve ,the foolish Allah no get power to carry justice himself 🤡
The fanatic Muslims in the north should not indulge in violence in what does not concern them as it happened during the cartoons made back then.
Christianity would not have even answered him, so he would have been burning the book in futility.
We should learn that if you have to worship a Supreme being, you should leave vengeance and anger to that being. Especially in trivial matters that shouldn't matter to human e.g burning a book or alleged blasphemy.
If not, you are sending a message that you worship a God that has no power.
He didn't kill anyone, so I don't expect anyone to kill him in return, but if you are wishing death upon him because of this action then you are not different from Abubakar Shekau and Osama bin laden.
If your God requires you to protect him then you are the God to your God.
God1000: This will further worsen relations between Sweden, turkey and the Muslim countries.
What the world needs right now is rapprochement, detente and entente.
Why did the Swedish government give him the permission to do such thing when they are begging turkey to approve their application to join NATO?
We should be bold enough to condemn Christian extremists
Are you alright, why should there be permission for doing such, the reason why muslims are hated seriously is because of intolerance...
When will this morons learn to respect other people's religion for God's sake ..... You can not do such a disrespectful act and film it for the world to see and expect faithfuls not to get angry na.......I hope our illiterate extremist brothers in Northern Nigeria will not see this and go on a killing spree......Na wa o
..... You can not do such a disrespectful act and film it for the world to see and expect faithfuls not to get angry na.......I hope our illiterate extremist brothers in Northern Nigeria will not see this and go on a killing spree......Na wa o