Sweden and Denmark: Koran burning and freedom of thought

2023-08-04 10:05:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Last week's Koran burning is becoming a growing problem for Denmark and Sweden. There have been several actions in which specimens have been damaged or destroyed and burned. Two Iraqi activists desecrated a copy of the Koran in Sweden, sparking tensions between the Scandinavian country and Muslim-majority countries. On Sunday, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristerson announced on Instagram that Sweden is in "the most tense security situation since World War II."

Burn reactions

Why they are burning the Koran now is a difficult question, according to Tobias Ecold, a researcher at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs. He says that in those countries there is "something of a tradition" of critical, or in these cases even contemptuous, statements about other religions, especially Islam. He remembers that there were similar actions last year as well, which were then carried out by extremists and right-wing populists.

Sweden and Denmark: Koran burning and freedom of thought

Sweden wants to join NATO and got the green light from Turkey in July. But Ankara tied its deal to a tough stance on Sweden's Kurdish Workers' Party and condemned the burning of the Koran. Now the Turkish Parliament must also approve the admission of new members to NATO. Political scientist Ecold believes that the burning of the Koran at the exact time when a decision is expected is no coincidence. The situation escalated, an action caused a reaction...

Why exactly in Denmark and Sweden?

"Both countries have a broad concept of freedom of thought," Ecold explains, adding that this is why such actions are carried out there. Other countries are more restrictive. Such actions there can be described as "inciting the people ". But the Swedish Constitution expressly states that criticism of religion is permitted. Moreover, in Sweden, so far there is no judgment that would qualify the burning of the Koran or any other holy book as "incitement of the people".

In 2005, a scandal erupted in Denmark with cartoons of Muhammad that were published in the most widespread Danish daily "Jilandsposten". This sparked protests from Muslims around the world.

"Swedes and Danes - both socially and politically - insist on this comprehensive freedom of thought and have a strong resistance to restricting it in any way," explains Ecold, whose area of ??research is foreign and security policy. of Scandinavian countries.

Sweden and Denmark: Koran burning and freedom of thought

What are the consequences?

The events in Sweden and Denmark led to violent protests and diplomatic disputes with Muslim countries. Especially in Iraq there were riots. In mid-July, Baghdad expelled the Swedish ambassador. Before that, angry protesters entered the Swedish embassy and set it on fire.

And Iran announced in mid-July that the new Swedish ambassador was unwanted, as the old ambassador's term had expired. There were also protests in Iran. Saudi Arabia announced that it would send a note of protest to Sweden and invited the ambassador for a conversation. Last month, Algeria invited the ambassadors of Denmark and Sweden for talks. Turkey also demanded that both countries take measures against the burning of the Koran.

However, these events also have consequences at the domestic level. Sweden and Denmark have warned of the greatest risk of terrorist attacks.

What measures are Denmark and Sweden taking?

Both countries have condemned the burning of the Koran. But they also point to freedom of thought, which is why permission is also required to hold such gatherings. In addition, Sweden in particular insists that these actions were carried out by individuals and not by the state. In the center of attention is the Iraqi citizen Salvan Momika with his actions.

The two countries are currently considering possible measures to ban gatherings for the purpose of burning the Koran. On Sunday, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Loke Rasmussen said the Danish government was seeking a "legal instrument" to stop such actions in front of embassies.

In Sweden, the possibility of significantly expanding the powers of the police, to prevent the burning of the Koran and to enable the control of individuals, is currently being considered. Police controls in the country and at the border should be strengthened. However, it does not want to give up the fundamental principle of freedom of thought, as Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristerson told reporters on Tuesday. Political scientist Ecold reckons with "considerable resistance" in the spectrum of right-wing populists, who currently support the government./ DW