Why does Sweden allow Quran burning?

A series of desecrations of the Qur'an by anti-Islam activists in Sweden has sparked anger in Muslim countries and raised questions about the permissibility of such acts.

In the latest incident, an Iraqi individual stomped and kicked the Koran at a protest authorized by the Swedish police. Similar protests have occurred before, drawing attention to the issue both in Sweden and abroad. What's the background to the decision?

Desecrating Quran Not Prohibited in Sweden

Burning or desecrating the Quran or other religious texts is not explicitly forbidden by any law in Sweden. Similar to many Western nations, Sweden does not possess any blasphemy laws. However, this was not always the case.

In the 19th century, blasphemy was heavily condemned in Sweden and carried the severe punishment of death. Over time, as Sweden became more secularized, the restrictions surrounding blasphemy were gradually loosened. Eventually, the last of such laws was abolished in 1970.

Can Swedish authorites stop such acts?

Numerous Muslim nations have urged the Swedish government to intervene and prevent the burning of the Quran during protests. However, in Sweden, the decision to permit demonstrations or public gatherings lies with the police rather than the government.

The Swedish constitution safeguards the freedom of speech, while the police are required to provide valid reasons, like potential threats to public safety, in order to refuse a permit for a demonstration or public gathering.

In February, the Stockholm police refused two applications for Quran-burning protests, as they believed that these actions could potentially elevate the risk of terrorist attacks on Sweden. This decision was based on assessments provided by the Swedish Security Service. However, the court later reversed these judgments, stating that the police must provide more specific threats in order to prohibit a public assembly.

What was the reaction to the Quran burning? 

Burning of the Quran in central Stockholm had less disruption than Easter 2022's incidents by Danish extremist Rasmus Paludan. Around 200 people attended, with clashes and police intervention. older Muslim men urged restraint.

"Just go inside the mosque, don't give him any attention. The Quran is in your hearts," one said.

Morocco recalled its ambassador swiftly.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called it "despicable."

"It is unacceptable to allow these anti-Islamic actions under the pretext of freedom of expression. Turning a blind eye to such atrocious acts is to be complicit," Hakan Fidan wrote on Twitter.

Can Quran-burning be considered hate speech?

Sweden's hate speech law targets incitement against groups based on race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

The burning of the Quran has sparked debate. Some view it as incitement against Muslims and call it hate speech, while others argue it is criticism of Islam and protected by freedom of speech.

Swedish police filed preliminary hate crime charges against the man responsible, seeking guidance from the justice system. Prosecutors will decide whether to indict him.

Who was behind the Quran burning and why did he want to do it? 

Salwan Momika, from Iraq, stated that he wanted to burn the Quran, the holy book of Islam, to protest against the Muslim religion, rather than protesting against Sweden joining Nato.

He conveyed to the TT newswire his intention to set ablaze the Quran on June 28th, and emphasized the message of "awakening Sweden." Salwan asserted that democracy was at risk if they were prohibited from carrying out the act.

"He clarified that we do not direct our struggle at Muslims themselves but rather at their ideologies. He emphasized that we do not oppose Muslims; in fact, we support them."

In previous statements, Momika expressed his belief that the Muslim religion has a significantly adverse effect, calling for a global ban on the Quran.

Keep Reading

• Man lynched for alleged insult to Quran in Pakistan
• Who is Rasmus Paludan, dividing Sweden?
• What does Islam say about climate change?

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