Many people arrested in Sweden over new Quran burning
Swedish Police Arrest Dozens After Violent Protest Over Quran Burning
In a recent incident that has raised concerns about religious tolerance and freedom of speech, Swedish police found themselves dealing with the aftermath of a violent protest involving the burning of the Quran. The incident occurred during a rally organized by Salwan Momika, an Iraqi refugee known for initiating similar events that have stirred controversy and outrage across the Middle East.
The rally, which took place in the city of Malmö, known for its diverse immigrant population, quickly escalated into chaos. Witnesses reported that emotions ran high as Salwan Momika set fire to a copy of the Quran. Swedish police described the atmosphere as “stormy,” and it wasn’t long before violent riots broke out in the early afternoon.
According to law enforcement officials, the protest officially concluded when the organizer left the scene. However, a group of individuals chose to remain behind, resulting in around ten arrests for disturbing public order. Additionally, two individuals were taken into custody on suspicion of participating in the violent riots that unfolded.
Reports suggest that some spectators took matters into their own hands and threw stones at Salwan Momika during the protest, exacerbating the tense situation. It’s worth noting that this incident isn’t an isolated one. In a similar demonstration at the end of July, Momika, alongside another man named Salwan Naja, trampled on a copy of the Quran in Stockholm before setting it on fire. These actions, consistent with their previous rallies, ignited diplomatic tensions between Sweden and several Middle Eastern nations.
In response to these events, the Swedish government has condemned the desecration of the Quran while emphasizing the importance of protecting the right to assembly and freedom of expression as outlined in Sweden’s Constitution. Nevertheless, the repercussions of these protests have been felt beyond Sweden’s borders.
In July, Iraqi protesters launched two attacks on the Swedish embassy in Baghdad, including one incident where they set fire to the diplomatic mission. These actions underscored the strong reactions provoked abroad by the Quran’s desecration on Swedish soil, leading to Sweden being identified as a “priority target” by security agencies. As a result, in mid-August, the Swedish Security Service raised the terrorist alert level to 4 on a scale of 5.
To address the growing concerns surrounding these protests, Sweden decided to reinforce its border controls at the beginning of August. Neighboring Denmark, which has also experienced incidents of Quran desecration, is contemplating a ban on burning the Muslim holy book. Sweden is also exploring legal avenues to potentially follow suit.
The Quran burning incidents in Sweden highlight the complex balance between freedom of speech, religious tolerance, and the responsibility to maintain public order. As investigations continue and discussions unfold, it remains to be seen how these incidents will shape Sweden’s approach to these critical issues in the future.
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
