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Quran Burnings

All articles tagged with #quran burnings

politics2 years ago

Denmark Enacts Law Prohibiting Quran Burnings

The Danish parliament has passed a bill that criminalizes Quran burnings, with offenders facing fines or up to two years in jail. The legislation aims to combat the "systematic mockery" that raises terror threat levels in Denmark. Quran burnings in Denmark and Sweden earlier this year sparked outrage in the Muslim world. Critics argue that the bill restricts freedom of expression, while supporters believe it is necessary to protect national security. The bill now awaits the signature of Queen Margrethe before becoming law.

politics2 years ago

Denmark's Parliament Outlaws Quran Burnings

Denmark's parliament has passed a law making it illegal to publicly burn, tear, or defile holy texts, including the Quran, in response to protests and security concerns. Those who violate the law may face fines or up to two years in prison. The purpose of the law is to counter the "systematic mockery" that has contributed to the intensification of terrorism threats in Denmark. The bill was amended after criticism to strike a balance between freedom of speech and national security. Sweden is also considering ways to limit Quran desecrations.

international-relations2 years ago

Muslim Leaders Condemn Quran Burnings at UN, Erdogan Criticizes the West

Muslim leaders from Turkey, Iran, and Qatar used the UN General Assembly to condemn Europe for "vile" desecrations of the Quran, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan denouncing the "intolerable" attacks against Islam in European countries. The rise of Islamophobia in Europe, linked to far-right nationalism, was highlighted in a report by the Collective for Countering Islamophobia in Europe. Denmark has proposed a bill to ban Quran burnings, while Iranian President Ebrahim Raissi criticized the US and the West, holding up a copy of the Quran and accusing Western countries of Islamophobia and cultural apartheid. Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani stated that the Quran was too sacred to be desecrated.

security2 years ago

"Sweden on High Alert as Quran Burnings Spark Fear of Terror Attacks"

Sweden has raised its terrorism threat level to the second-highest following a series of Quran burnings in the country by anti-Islam activists. The burnings have sparked angry demonstrations in Muslim countries. The Swedish Prime Minister stated that planned terrorist acts have been prevented, but did not provide further details. The domestic security service, SAPO, has warned that the overall security situation has deteriorated, and the risk of terrorism in Sweden is now at a "high threat" level. Sweden is considered a priority target for attacks from actors within violent Islamism. The recent burnings have complicated Sweden's attempt to join NATO, and Turkey's President has indicated that they could pose an obstacle to Sweden's bid.

terrorism2 years ago

"Sweden on High Alert as Quran Burnings Spark Fear of Terror Attacks"

Sweden has raised its terrorism threat level to the second-highest following a series of Quran burnings by anti-Islam activists. The country's domestic security service has stated that the overall security situation has deteriorated, with an increased risk of terrorism. Sweden is now considered a priority target for attacks from actors within violent Islamism. The recent burnings have also complicated Sweden's bid to join NATO. The country has stepped up border controls and identity checks, and citizens abroad are urged to be vigilant. Sweden does not have blasphemy laws prohibiting the burning of religious texts, citing freedom of speech.

international-affairs2 years ago

Sweden on High Alert as Quran Burnings Fuel Terrorism Threat

Sweden's security service, SAPO, has raised the threat level to 4 out of 5 due to increased risks of attacks from actors within violent Islamism. The country has faced international condemnation after anti-Islam activists burned copies of the Quran, leading to protests and attempted attacks on Swedish embassies. While Quran burnings are permitted under free speech laws in Sweden, they are considered sinful by the Muslim world. Denmark and Sweden are considering new legislation to prevent such burnings, but critics argue it would undermine protected freedoms. Several countries have denounced the desecrations, and the British government has warned against travel to Sweden due to an increased possibility of attacks.

international-affairs2 years ago

Sweden Urges Global Vigilance Following Quran Desecrations and Protests

Sweden's National Security Adviser, Henrik Landerholm, has called for increased vigilance and caution for Swedes abroad and businesses linked to Sweden following recent Quran burnings in the country and protests in the Muslim world. Landerholm stated that there are signs of a heightened threat to Sweden and Swedish interests abroad, with extremists now considering Sweden a priority target. The Swedish government is monitoring developments, taking measures to protect its citizens and interests, and working with international partners to counteract hate messages. Sweden has recently stepped up border controls and identity checks, and while it does not have specific laws against Quran desecration, it has condemned the acts and debunked claims that it grants permission for such actions.

international-relations2 years ago

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.

international-relations2 years ago

"International Pressure Mounts for Sweden and Denmark to Outlaw Quran Burnings"

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the largest grouping of Muslim nations, has called on Sweden and Denmark to ban desecrations of the Quran, highlighting a clash between the Scandinavian countries' commitment to free speech and the West's efforts to build a broader coalition against Russian aggression. This comes after protests and the burning of the Swedish Embassy in Baghdad in response to a planned Quran burning in Stockholm.

politics2 years ago

Denmark Explores Legal Solutions to Halt Quran Burnings

The Danish government is exploring legal options to prevent protesters from burning the Quran outside embassies in the country, following recent demonstrations in Denmark and Sweden. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen stated that intervention may be necessary in situations where other countries, cultures, and religions are insulted, and where there could be significant negative consequences for Denmark's security. Sweden is also considering amending its Public Order Act to allow the police to stop demonstrations that threaten national security. Muslim countries have protested the desecration of the Quran, with Saudi Arabia and Iraq calling for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to address the issue.

politics2 years ago

Denmark Takes Action to Prevent Quran Burnings

Denmark's Foreign Minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, has announced that the government will explore legal means to prevent the burning of the Quran in front of other countries' embassies in Denmark. Rasmussen called these acts "deeply offensive and reckless" and stated that they do not represent Danish values. Sweden is also considering similar measures. The public burnings have sparked outrage in Muslim countries, with protests lodged by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the UAE, Iran, Morocco, Qatar, and Yemen. Sweden and Denmark have expressed their condemnation but stated that they cannot prevent such actions due to freedom of expression laws. The United Nations Human Rights Council recently approved a resolution on religious hatred and bigotry, with Pakistan and other OIC countries supporting it, while the US and EU opposed it on grounds of freedom of expression.

security2 years ago

"Quran Desecrations and Protests Fuel Rising Security Risks in Sweden, Warns Security Agency"

Sweden's security situation has worsened due to recent Quran burnings and protests, leading to a negative impact on the country's image, according to the Swedish Security Service. The agency warns that Sweden's reputation has shifted from being tolerant to hostile towards Islam and Muslims, with attacks on Muslims being sanctioned by the state. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation has suspended Sweden's special envoy over the Quran burnings. The risk of terrorism in Sweden remains elevated, and the country is now a target of malicious influencing campaigns. The Swedish government denies granting permission for Quran burnings and emphasizes its commitment to religious freedom and respect for different beliefs.

international-relations2 years ago

Sweden's Special Envoy Suspended by Organization of Islamic Cooperation for Quran Desecration

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation has suspended Sweden's special envoy over a series of Quran burnings in Stockholm that led to protests in Muslim countries. The suspension was due to the granting of licenses by Swedish authorities that allowed the desecration of the Quran and Islamic symbols. An Iraqi man in Sweden, of Christian origin and self-proclaimed atheist, kicked and stepped on the Quran but did not set it ablaze. The decision to suspend the special envoy came after an earlier Quran-burning incident, and the organization has sent a letter conveying the decision to Sweden's foreign minister. A public burning of the Quran in Denmark also sparked protests in Iraq, with clashes and arson reported. While Sweden and Denmark do not have laws criminalizing blasphemy, the burning of holy texts is not specifically prohibited by law.

human-rights2 years ago

International Outrage and Clashes Erupt at UNHRC Over Quran Burnings in Europe

The UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, addressed the issue of Quran burnings in Sweden and other European countries during a special debate at the Human Rights Council. Türk emphasized the need for respect for religious beliefs while also calling for respect for migrants, LGBTQI+ people, and women and girls who wear headscarves. The debate highlighted the divide between Western countries, which affirmed the right to freedom of expression, and predominantly Muslim countries, which called for stronger legal measures against religious intolerance. Türk condemned the Quran burnings as acts of manufactured intolerance aimed at inciting hatred and violence. The United States expressed concerns about a resolution that could infringe on freedom of expression and instead called for education and interfaith dialogue to address hate speech.