European Organization of Islamic Centers Denounces Quran Desecration in Sweden
In a statement, the organization called for respect for Muslims’ sanctities, following the recent events in Sweden that included the burning of the Quran by Rasmus Paludan, the leader of a far-right group in the city of Linkoping, Ammon News reported.
The statement voiced concerns over the incidents and called them provocative acts that hurt the feelings of all Muslims.
It said the extremist group does nothing but spreading fear and creating divisions in societies.
The statement described the “uncivilized” acts as running counter to the principles of human rights, respect for divine faiths and coexistence among all citizens.
The European Organization of Islamic Centers called on European institutions to respect the religious sanctities of divine faiths.
It also warned against provoking hatred and racism in Western societies which would undermine such values as peaceful coexistence and social harmony.
The organization further urged Muslim youths not to fall into the trap of violence, which is what far right groups seek.
On Thursday, a riot broke out in the city of Linkoping on Sweden’s east coast, where a demonstration that included a Quran burning was planned. Two people were arrested at that demonstration.
Far-right leader Paludan has regularly been at the center of incidents in recent years. In November 2020, he was arrested in France and deported. Five other activists were arrested in Belgium shortly afterwards, accused of intending to “spread hatred” by burning a Quran in Brussels.
