Global Islamic Group Urges Downgrading of Ties with Countries Allowing Quran Burnings
The Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has called on its member nations to take action against countries that allow the public burning or desecration of the Quran, including recalling ambassadors. The OIC's statement comes after recent incidents in Sweden and Denmark where the Islamic holy book was burned or defaced at officially permitted protests. The organization encourages member states to consider necessary decisions and actions in their relations with these countries and urges civil society organizations to file local lawsuits before taking their cases to international judicial bodies. The OIC also emphasizes the need for outreach to combat Islamophobia and praises Kuwait for distributing 100,000 copies of the Quran translated into Swedish. Sweden and Denmark, where there is no law against blasphemy, are now considering curbs on public defacement of holy books or religious symbols.