Global Outrage After Sweden Allows Far-Right Activist to Burn Quran

Sweden is at the center of protests after the country’s police allowed Danish far-right anti-Islam activist Rasmus Paludan to burn a Quran in front of the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm.

This is the latest act of disrespect from the country’s far-right and ongoing anti-Turkish protests.

The act has caused global condemnation and has added to mounting tensions between the two countries.

Following the incident, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson wrote in a tweet, “Freedom of expression is a fundamental part of democracy. But what is legal is not necessarily appropriate. Burning books that are holy to many is a deeply disrespectful act. I want to express my sympathy for all Muslims who are offended by what has happened in Stockholm.”

The Turkish Foreign Ministry released a statement insisting, “We condemn in the strongest possible terms the vile attack on our holy book ... Permitting this anti-Islam act, which targets Muslims and insults our sacred values, under the guise of freedom of expression is completely unacceptable.”

Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Pakistan, and Morocco, among other Muslim countries, have all issued statements condemning the act as anti-Islamic.

Meanwhile, Sweden currently has a bid in to join NATO, but needs Turkey to back its application. This incident will certainly make it difficult for Sweden to receive Turkey’s backing.

Should this act be considered freedom of speech?

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