Sweden's 'Quran Burning Protest' Sparks Backlash from Islamic Countries: "Disgusting"

During the Islamic pilgrimage period, when a Quran burning protest took place in Sweden, Islamic countries strongly condemned the act.

Saudi Arabia, the Sunni Islamic powerhouse, issued a statement on the 29th (local time) regarding the Swedish protest, calling it "an act that incites hatred and discrimination and undermines mutual respect between nations," and sharply criticized it by saying, "Such hateful acts cannot be justified for any reason." Currently, 2 million Muslims from 160 countries are participating in the regular pilgrimage (Hajj) in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Naser Kanaani, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representing the Shia stronghold, also stated in a press release, "It is unacceptable to commit blasphemy during the sacred pilgrimage period revered by Islamic countries," adding, "Insulting the Quran incites hatred and goes against true human rights." Hakan Fidan, Turkey's Minister of Foreign Affairs, even described the Swedish government as an accomplice, raising his voice that allowing anti-Islamic actions under the guise of freedom of expression is absolutely intolerable. The Director of Communications of the Turkish Presidential Office also tweeted that he is fed up with the ongoing Islamophobia in parts of Europe, especially in Sweden.

US CNN reported concerns that the Quran burning protest, which occurred ahead of next month's North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit, could make Sweden's NATO membership more difficult.

The Iraqi government also issued a statement saying, "Such irresponsible behavior that undermines the value of diversity and does not respect others' beliefs deserves condemnation." Morocco, an Islamic country located in North Africa, protested the allowance of the Quran burning protest by recalling its ambassador to Sweden. The Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs indefinitely recalled its ambassador to Sweden and summoned the Swedish charg? d'affaires in Rabat to strongly protest.

The day before, at the outskirts of a mosque in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, a protest with about 200 participants approved by the authorities saw one participant burn the Quran. The protest was reportedly planned to coincide with Eid al-Adha, the largest Islamic festival held after the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. AFP reported that the person who burned the Quran was Salwan Momika (37), an Iraqi who immigrated to Sweden several years ago.

Swedish authorities stated that they allowed the protest in the interest of guaranteeing freedom of expression and are investigating any illegal acts by the protest participants.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.