Swedish government condemns "Islamophobic" Quran burning in Stockholm

The Swedish government on Sunday condemned the burning of a Quran near Stockholm's main mosque, calling it an "Islamophobic" act.

This was stated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country, Yevropeiska Pravda reports, citing the AFP news agency.

"The Swedish government fully understands that Islamophobic acts committed by individuals at demonstrations in Sweden can be offensive to Muslims," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

"We strongly condemn these actions, which in no way reflect the views of the Swedish government," the ministry added.

The Foreign Ministry's statement came after the Saudi-based Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) called on its 57 member states to act against the desecration of the Quran.

The OIC called on member states to "take united and collective measures to prevent the recurrence of incidents of desecration of copies" of the Quran, according to a statement released after an extraordinary meeting.

"The burning of the Quran or any other sacred text is offensive and an act of contempt and a clear provocation. Manifestations of racism, xenophobia and related intolerance have no place in Sweden or in Europe," the Swedish Foreign Ministry said.

At the same time, the ministry added that Sweden has a "constitutionally protected right to freedom of assembly, expression and demonstration."

Countries such as Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Morocco have summoned Swedish ambassadors to protest the Quran burning incident.

Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 03/07/2023