Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan expressed strong condemnation towards Sweden following the burning of a Koran in Stockholm, emphasizing that Turkey would not yield to provocation or intimidation. Speaking on the occasion of the Muslim holiday of Eid Al-Adha, Erdogan reaffirmed that insulting the sacred values of Muslims does not fall under the umbrella of freedom of expression.
Erdogan stressed that Turkey would respond with utmost firmness to what he described as a despicable act of protest.
While Swedish authorities had initially granted permission for the anti-Koran demonstration to take place, the individual responsible for the burning was subsequently charged by the police for inciting hatred against an ethnic or national group. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also denounced the protest, deeming it unacceptable to permit anti-Islam protests under the guise of freedom of expression.
The ongoing series of demonstrations in Sweden, which encompass issues related to Islam and Kurdish rights, has heightened tensions between Sweden and Turkey. The latter’s support is crucial for Sweden’s bid to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
