Stockholm: Sweden's Prime Minister condemned as "Deeply disrespectful" weekend burning of Quran in Stockholm, which has raised tensions with Turkey as Nordic country courts Ankara over its NATO bid.

Far-right politician Rasmus Paludan set fire to copy of Muslim Holy Book on Saturday in front of Turkey's Embassy in Swedish capital. Furious that Paludan had been permitted by Swedish police to carry out protest, Ankara cancelled visit by Sweden's defence minister and summoned Stockholm's Ambassador.

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 today.

— SwedishPM (@SwedishPM) January 21, 2023

Late on Saturday, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson tweeted, "Freedom of expression is fundamental part of democracy. But what is legal is not necessarily appropriate. Burning books that are holy to many is deeply disrespectful act."

"I want to express my sympathy for all Muslims who are offended by what has happened in Stockholm today." Paludan's demonstration has further damaged relations as Stockholm tries to convince NATO member Turkey to approve Sweden and Finland joining military alliance.

No words are enough to adequately condemn the abhorrable act of desecration of the Holy Quran by a right-wing extremist in Sweden. The garb of the freedom of expression cannot be used to hurt the religious emotions of 1.5 billion Muslims across the world. This is unacceptable.

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) January 22, 2023

Sweden's bid has been stalled amid Ankara's demands that Stockholm hand over Kurdish activists and prevent rallies attacking Turkey's leadership. Many Muslim countries said they were outraged by burning of Quran on Saturday. Morocco said it was "Astonished" authorities had allowed it to take place "In front of Swedish forces of order".

Strongly condemn burning of Holy Quran yesterday at a protest in Sweden. Last March on our govt's initiative the UNGA passed OIC sponsored landmark Res on International Day to Combat Islamophobia. It recognised that Islamophobic acts were not an expression of freedom of speech.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) January 22, 2023

Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates also condemned it, as did Gulf Cooperation Council and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Jakarta said "Act of blasphemy against the holy book has hurt and tarnished religious tolerance", adding "Freedom of expression must be exercised in responsible manner".

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 23 2023

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