Again, Blasphemy of Holy Qur'an Happens in Sweden

  Another act of blasphemy against the Koran was carried out by a Swedish citizen which sparked international public criticism. Over the past few months, acts of burning Korans have been carried out in Sweden and Denmark, prompting criticism from Muslim-majority countries. In addition, several countries also summoned the Danish and Swedish ambassadors to give warnings regarding this action. Under the pretext of freedom of expression, Western countries allow insults to the sacred values of Islam, including the burning of the Koran. Russia Today reported, Salwan Momika, an Iraqi-Swedish citizen, burned a copy of the Koran in the city of Malmö, Sweden, on Sunday (3/9/2023). For the umpteenth time, the Swedish police issued a permit for the heinous act of insulting the Koran, regardless of hurting the feelings of Muslims around the world, and then arrested the person who tried to prevent Momika's actions. The Danish government has finally reacted to Muslim countries' widespread protests against the desecration of the Koran and recently passed a law banning the burning of the Koran.

Sweden and Denmark are grappling with a challenging dilemma triggered by public Quran burnings: They face a choice between upholding their longstanding commitment to freedom of expression or yielding to the credible threat of violent retaliation. Sweden, despite the potential risks, has chosen to adhere to its principles. Although the government is exploring ways to discourage further burnings, it remains steadfast in its commitment. In contrast, Denmark is pursuing a different path, seeking legislation to outlaw the desecration of not only the Quran but also other sacred texts like the Bible and Torah. Both countries find themselves in an unenviable predicament, driven by the actions of a small number of right-wing nationalists who have boldly displayed their anti-Islamic sentiments by setting the Muslim holy book ablaze. Sweden and Denmark have rightfully condemned these acts of conspicuous destruction.

However, because they have tolerated such actions in the name of freedom of expression, they have faced criticism from Muslim nations, a narrative that Russian propagandists have been all too eager to amplify and exploit. Diplomats from Sweden and Denmark have been summoned for reprimands by governments in Muslim-majority countries. The risks involved extend beyond reputation. In 2005, Denmark witnessed a wave of violent protests after a Danish newspaper published cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad, which deeply offended many Muslims, considering them blasphemous. This year, Sweden's embassy in Baghdad was besieged and set on fire, occurring shortly after a protester in Stockholm burned a Quran. For Sweden, these Quran burnings also threaten its already-delayed NATO membership. Turkey, a predominantly Muslim NATO member that has previously blocked Sweden's accession, has now promised to remove its veto. Nevertheless, continued incidents of Quran burnings in the Nordic country could imperil this fragile progress.