A troubling trend continues as five anti-Islam activists set fire to a Koran in front of the Egyptian embassy in Copenhagen on Tuesday, marking the third occurrence of such incidents within a week in Denmark. These acts have drawn parallels to similar burnings in neighboring Sweden, leading to heightened concerns and anger among Muslims.
Denmark and Sweden have expressed their disapproval of the Koran burnings; however, they cite the protection of free speech as a constraint that prevents them from intervening. The “Danish Patriots” group, responsible for these demonstrations, had previously carried out Koran burnings in front of the Iraqi embassy, and two more incidents were reported in Sweden in the past month.
In response to the escalating situation, Iraq’s foreign ministry has called on European Union countries to reevaluate their stance on freedom of expression and the right to demonstrate, particularly considering the impact of these Koran burnings.
Turkey has also voiced its condemnation of these actions, denouncing them as a “despicable attack” on the Koran. It urged Denmark to take necessary measures to prevent such acts classified as “hate crimes” against Islam.
While the Danish government has criticized the burnings as “provocative and shameful,” it contends that its authority is limited when it comes to intervening in non-violent demonstrations.”
