The burning of the Koran in Sweden during a demonstration by right-wing extremists in front of the Turkish embassy, with the permission of the authorities, sparked outrage in many Muslim countries. Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström condemned it as an “anti-Islamic provocation” and “appalling”. “Sweden has widespread freedom of expression, but that does not mean that the Swedish government or I endorse the opinions that are expressed,” said Billström.
Call for penalties
Then the Organization of Islamic Cooperation asked Sweden to punish the perpetrators of the “hate crime”. Saudi Arabia stressed the importance of “spreading the values of dialogue, tolerance and coexistence, and rejecting hatred and extremism.” The UAE said it opposed “all practices” aimed at “destabilizing security and stability”.
Right-wing extremist Rasmus Paludan, head of the anti-Islam and anti-immigration Strammer Course party, delivered a nearly hour-long speech in front of the Turkish embassy in Stockholm, then lit a copy of the Koran. tourch. His words were directed against Islam and immigrants.
Then Turkey canceled a visit by Swedish Defense Minister Pal Johnson on January 27.
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