The Quran desecration event in Sweden continues to reverberate globally, as outrage and condemnation pour in from several Muslim-majority nations. Demonstrations erupted in response to the incident, which saw a Christian Iraqi refugee, Salwan Momika, damaging the Quran in Stockholm. This act, coupled with previous events, has prompted swift reactions from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Iraq, with calls for action against Sweden’s authorities and the expulsion of Swedish ambassadors from their countries.
Qatar and Saudi Arabia Demand Action from Swedish Authorities
Qatar summoned Sweden’s ambassador to hand over a protest note condemning the Quran desecration and demanded that Sweden take decisive action to prevent such “shameful acts.” Similarly, Saudi Arabia summoned the Swedish charge d’affaires in Riyadh and denounced the repeated desecration, calling for an end to extremist-led Quran burnings in Sweden.
UN Chief Stands in Solidarity with Muslim Community
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed solidarity with the global Muslim community during a meeting with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) ambassadors. Guterres condemned intolerance, violence, and Islamophobia and affirmed the UN’s commitment to countering religious hatred. The meeting took place in the aftermath of the Quran desecration in Sweden.
Global Backlash Against Sweden’s Actions
Sweden faced widespread backlash from Muslim nations, including Turkey, Jordan, Palestine, Iran, Pakistan, Senegal, Morocco, Mauritania, and Iraq, following the Quran desecration. Protests in Pakistan and Iraq, the Swedish embassy’s storming in Baghdad, and various diplomatic actions from other countries underscore the gravity of the situation and demand respect for religious beliefs.
The Quran desecration event in Stockholm has triggered strong reactions worldwide, leading to the summoning of Swedish ambassadors and the targeting of Swedish embassies in several countries. This escalating situation underscores the significance of religious sensitivity and calls for a careful balance between freedom of expression and respect for deeply held beliefs.
