- Demonstrations have sparked tensions with the Muslim world
- Defenders of the practice view it as an essential aspect of freedom of speech, albeit an unsavoury one
In a recent announcement, the Danish government revealed its contemplation of imposing a ban on Quran-burning protests. These demonstrations have sparked tensions with the Muslim world and led to strained diplomatic relations between Denmark, Sweden, and several Middle Eastern countries.
At various protests in Sweden and Denmark, Islam’s holy book has been desecrated, causing a ripple effect on international relations. The Danish government argues that such acts play directly into the hands of extremists and foster division, raising concerns about negative geopolitical impacts.
However, defenders of the practice view it as an essential aspect of freedom of speech, albeit an unsavoury one. The issue presents a delicate balance between upholding the principles of free expression and addressing the potential risks associated with these provocative protests.
The authorities are looking to “explore” potential measures to prevent situations where “other countries, cultures, and religions are insulted,” particularly if they have “significant negative consequences for Denmark, especially concerning security,” according to a statement from the foreign minister.
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However, the ministry emphasized that any action taken must remain within the confines of freedom of expression, a cherished value protected by Denmark’s constitution and regarded as one of its most essential principles.
In late June, Salwan Momika, a 37-year-old Iraqi refugee residing in Sweden, ignited the Quran in front of Stockholm’s principal mosque as a demonstration of his opposition to the faith.
Recently, he repeated his act of defiance by stomping on and ripping apart another copy of the book, this time outside the Iraqi Embassy, further showcasing his dissent towards the religion.
The Quran-burning incident caused a diplomatic dispute involving Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, leading them to summon Swedish diplomats. In response, Algeria recalled its representatives from Denmark.
The situation escalated further when hundreds of Iraqis stormed and set fire to the Swedish embassy in Baghdad as a result of the incident. Consequently, the Swedish ambassador was expelled from Iraq, and Iran made it clear that it will not accept a new ambassador from Sweden within its borders.
The Danish Foreign Ministry acknowledged that Quran-burning protests have created a perception of Denmark as a country facilitating the insult and denigration of other cultures and religions worldwide. Some of these demonstrations are intended to provoke and could have significant repercussions, the ministry stated.
Denmark’s far-right, represented by the Danske Patrioter movement, also capitalized on the tensions, sharing a video of a man desecrating and burning a book resembling the Quran.
Attempting to replicate previous events, around a thousand protesters gathered at night in Baghdad and attempted to march towards the Danish embassy. The Iraqi police dispersed the crowd with truncheons and tear gas.
In response to the escalating situation, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson disclosed that he had been in close communication with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, considering similar actions to address the issue. Sweden is currently analyzing the legal aspects to strengthen national security and the safety of Swedes both in the country and abroad.
In light of deteriorating security, Sweden has ordered its police and military to enhance their preparedness against terrorism.
The burning of the Quran by individuals in Sweden and Denmark has sparked strong protests from numerous Muslim countries, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey, and others. As a result, both Sweden and Denmark are facing significant pressure from the Muslim world.
