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Rabat – Sweden’s ambassadors are being summoned by various nations to register protests after a second incident of desecrating the Quran took place in Sweden. The derogatory event occurred during a demonstration in Stockholm on Thursday, where protesters were seen kicking and partially damaging a book that they claimed to be the Quran.
Earlier, there had been threats of burning the Quran during the protests in Stockholm, which had sparked outrage among several Muslim-majority countries. Although the holy book was not set on fire, the actions were still perceived as highly disrespectful and offensive by the international community.
The event was orchestrated by Salwan Momika, a 37-year-old Christian Iraqi refugee residing in Sweden. Shockingly, this was not the first time such an incident had taken place in the country, as Mr. Momika had previously burned pages of the Quran on June 28, adding fuel to the fire of controversy.
Here are some reactions from countries around the world:
Iraq
Iraq took a decisive stand by expelling the Swedish ambassador and recalling its charge d’affaires in Sweden. The Swedish telecom company Ericsson also faced the suspension of its working permit on Iraqi soil. Iraq’s foreign ministry strongly condemned the attack on the Swedish embassy and issued a warning of severing diplomatic ties should such incidents be repeated in the future.
Qatar
Qatar expressed its concern by summoning Sweden’s ambassador and handed a protest note to convey its disapproval. The Qatari foreign ministry urged Swedish authorities to take necessary measures to prevent such “shameful acts”
Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran and Jordan were among the other countries that reacted strongly to the Quran desecration incident in Stockholm. Saudi Arabia summoned Sweden’s charge d’affaires in Riyadh to convey its protest. Turkey issued a statement condemning the “despicable attack” and called for decisive measures to combat such acts of hate crimes against Islam.
Read also: Sweden Stirs Uproar After Allowing Quran Burning Demonstration Outside Mosque
Iran’s foreign ministry summoned Sweden’s ambassador in Tehran and planned nationwide demonstrations after Friday prayers. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian even wrote a letter to the United Nations secretary general, highlighting the seriousness of the incident. The Kingdom of Jordan has also strongly condemned the desecration, denouncing it as a reckless act that incites violence and insults religions.
As tensions rise and outrage spreads across the Muslim world, Sweden finds itself in the midst of a diplomatic crisis. The Swedish government has yet to issue a comprehensive response to the international reactions and concerns raised by the Quran burning incident in its capital.
