EBN – Swedish police apprehended more than ten individuals on Sunday following a Quran burning in Malmö that spiralled into violence.
Violence erupted after Salwan Momika, an Iraqi refugee known for organising controversial events, burned a copy of the Quran. The event occurred in Malmö, a city with a huge migrant population.
According to the police, emotions were prevalent among protesters as Momika set fire to the religious book. Indeed, it resulted in a turbulent atmosphere and the outbreak of violent riots in the early afternoon.
The gathering concluded after the organiser left the area. A group of individuals, however, remained behind.
Around ten individuals were arrested for disrupting public order, while two others faced apprehension on suspicion of involvement in riots. Reports from the scene indicated that spectators threw rocks at Salwan Momika during the event.
Diplomatic Tensions and Popular Outrage
This incident comes in the wake of a similar Quran desecration in Stockholm in late July, when Salwan Momika and another individual, Salwan Naja, trampled and burned a copy of the Quran.
The action has since sparked outrage among Muslim populations, as well as diplomatic tensions between Sweden and Middle Eastern countries.
Sweden’s government has rebuked such action of desecration of the Quran. At the same time, it affirmed the country’s dedication to safeguarding constitutional rights, including free expression and assembly.
Additionally, these liberties have led to violent attacks on the Swedish embassy in Iraq, with protesters setting the building ablaze.
Legal Measures to Ban Quran Burning Considered
The situation surged rapidly in mid-August when the Swedish Security Service raised the terrorism alert level to 4 out of 5.
The service cited Sweden’s elevated status as a “priority target” due to the Quran desecration incidents. The country has also bolstered its border controls in response to the incident or any potential retaliatory acts.
Denmark, Sweden’s neighbour, where Quran desecration incidents have also occurred, is contemplating banning the burning of the Muslim holy book.
Sweden is also considering similar legal measures to address the issue, reflecting the implications of religious desecration on societal harmony.
