Copenhagen: Following recent incidences of the Quran being desecrated at rallies in Denmark and Sweden, the governments of both countries have taken action to address the issue. The Danish government, led by Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, has stated its intention to develop legislative measures that would allow officials to prohibit similar demonstrations in front of foreign embassies in Denmark. The destruction of the Quran has generated significant indignation and protests in a number of nations, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the UAE, Iran, Morocco, Qatar, and Yemen.
Foreign Minister Rasmussen denounced the burnings as deeply offensive and reckless acts, emphasising that these few individuals do not represent the values upon which Danish society is built. The government aims to explore interventions in special situations where the insults towards other countries, cultures, and religions could have significant negative consequences for Denmark, especially concerning security matters.
Rasmussen said that “The burnings are deeply offensive and reckless acts committed by a few individuals. These few individuals do not represent the values Danish society is built on. The Danish government will therefore explore the possibility of intervening in special situations where, for instance, other countries, cultures, and religions are being insulted and where this could have significant negative consequences for Denmark, not least with regard to security.”
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson also addressed the issue, stating that he has been in close communication with Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen. He revealed that Sweden is already undertaking a similar procedure to prevent Quran desecration and is analysing the legal situation to strengthen national security and protect Swedes both in Sweden and abroad.
The recent incident that triggered the international outcry involved two extremists, self-identified as ‘Danish Patriots,’ who ignited an Iraqi flag and a copy of the Quran, further fuelling tensions. A 37-year-old Iraqi resident and Swedish citizen, Salwan Momika, was also involved in burning several pages of the holy book earlier in the month.
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