Holy Quran desecration: Sweden PM terms act as ‘deeply disrespectful’

World Jan, 23 2023
Holy Quran desecration: Sweden PM terms act as ‘deeply disrespectful’
  • 402
  • 0

Stockholm: Sweden's Prime Minister condemned as "Deeply disrespectful" weekend burning of Quran in Stockholm, which has raised tensions with Turkey as Nordic country courts Ankara over its NATO bid.

Far-right politician Rasmus Paludan set fire to copy of Muslim Holy Book on Saturday in front of Turkey's Embassy in Swedish capital. Furious that Paludan had been permitted by Swedish police to carry out protest, Ankara cancelled visit by Sweden's defence minister and summoned Stockholm's Ambassador.

Late on Saturday, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson tweeted, "Freedom of expression is fundamental part of democracy. But what is legal is not necessarily appropriate. Burning books that are holy to many is deeply disrespectful act."

"I want to express my sympathy for all Muslims who are offended by what has happened in Stockholm today." Paludan's demonstration has further damaged relations as Stockholm tries to convince NATO member Turkey to approve Sweden and Finland joining military alliance.

Sweden's bid has been stalled amid Ankara's demands that Stockholm hand over Kurdish activists and prevent rallies attacking Turkey's leadership. Many Muslim countries said they were outraged by burning of Quran on Saturday. Morocco said it was "Astonished" authorities had allowed it to take place "In front of Swedish forces of order".

Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates also condemned it, as did Gulf Cooperation Council and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Jakarta said "Act of blasphemy against the holy book has hurt and tarnished religious tolerance", adding "Freedom of expression must be exercised in responsible manner".

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 23 2023

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.

NC Monitoring Desk
NC Monitoring Desk https://www.dailynationalcourier.com/author/nc-monitoring-desk
Daily National Courier is a leading morning English newspaper of twelve pages covering all international and national political developments on 24/7 basis.

NC Big Stories

PTI doubts govt authority for talks

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has questioned the dialogue process with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led government after the ruling coalition failed to arrange a meeting between incarcerated PTI founding chairman Imran Kha...

ECP registers Khaqan’s Awam Pakistan party

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has officially registered the Awam Pakistan Party, led by Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, following the recognition of its intra-party elections. According to the ECP, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi serves as the part...

Federal govt bans new hiring, eliminates redundant positions

ISLAMABAD: The federal government of Pakistan has initiated work on budget estimates for the upcoming fiscal year, with key directives issued regarding unnecessary positions and the creation of new vacancies. As part of these efforts, a directive ha...

Mavericks complete 4th-quarter comeback to defeat Trail Blazers 117-111

Dallas: The Dallas Mavericks secured a thrilling 117-111 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, overcoming a sluggish start and finishing with an 18-2 run in the final minutes. Despite missing star players Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the Maverick...

More like this
Related

India's RAW behind assassinations, targeted killings in Pakistan

WASHINGTON: India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) spy agency orchestrated a covert assassination campaign, fueling a wave of targeted killings in Pakistan, according to a report from The Washington Post. The report adds that Indian Prime Minister...

Quaid-e-Azam: The Architect of Pakistan's Destiny

Today, December 25th, we commemorate the birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. As we reflect on his remarkable life and legacy, we are reminded of his unwavering commitment to the ideals of freedom, justice,...

Biden commutes sentences of 37 federal death row inmates

WASHINGTON: United States President Joe Biden has commuted the sentences of 37 of the 40 individuals on federal death row, replacing capital punishment with life imprisonment, the White House announced on Monday. The decision comes weeks before Presi...

World must listen to cries of grief-stricken Palestinians

CAIRO: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called on the international community to listen to the suffering and cries of the people of Gaza. Speaking at a special session on the situation in Palestine and Lebanon at the D-8 Summit, the Prime Minister e...
Need Help? Chat with us