Borrell Slams Quran Desecration as ‘Offensive, Disrespectful, Clear Provocation’
In a short statement released on Wednesday morning, Borrell expressed his unambiguous condemnation of the recent incidents in Sweden and Denmark that have seen a small far-right group of protesters publicly burn the Quran.
"The desecration of the Quran, or of any other book considered holy, is offensive, disrespectful and a clear provocation. Expressions of racism, xenophobia and related intolerance have no place in the European Union," Borrell wrote.
Borrell acknowledged the "offense to many Muslims" caused by the incidents and said respect for religious diversity is one of the bloc's "core values."
"We continue to stand up for freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression, abroad and at home; but not everything that is legal is ethical," he wrote.
"Now is the time to stand together for mutual understanding and respect. These acts committed by individual provocateurs only benefit those who want to divide us and our societies."
Over the past month, the Holy Quran has been subject to acts of desecration by extremist elements in separate incidents in Sweden and Denmark, which were perpetrated under the aegis of the respected governments.
The sacrilegious moves have drawn the ire of the whole Muslim community, prompting the summoning or expulsion of Swedish and Danish envoys from several Muslim-majority countries.
Source: euronews
