Quran Desecration Ban Gains Support in Sweden as Official Admits Damage to State's Image
Sweden's counter-terrorism chief, Fredrik Hallstrom, has warned of the country's tarnished reputation following multiple acts of Quran desecration in Stockholm. Speaking at a news conference, Hallstrom acknowledged that Sweden will have to endure this negative image for the foreseeable future.
Sweden has raised its terror threat level to high, as Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson acknowledged that the nation has become a prime target for extremists. Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer echoed this sentiment, describing the security situation as bleak.
Sweden has faced widespread condemnation, particularly from the Muslim world, for permitting Quran desecration under the guise of free speech. The Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) recently urged member states to take appropriate political and economic measures against Sweden and other countries that condone the burning of the Muslim holy book. The OIC stressed the necessity of halting this aggressive act, which fuels hatred and contempt for religions while also jeopardizing global peace, security, and harmony.
These burnings have taken place outside significant locations, including Sweden's parliament, Stockholm's main mosque, and the Turkish, Iraqi, and Iranian embassies. Similar protests involving Quran burning have also occurred in neighboring Denmark, prompting the country to consider criminalizing the act of burning religious texts.
However, Sweden is still deliberating its legal options.
Poll finds increased support for Quran desecration ban
Recent surveys conducted by Swedish pollster, SIFO, reveal that over half of the country's population supports a ban on Quran burnings and the burning of other books. The percentage of Swedes in favor of such a ban has increased to 53%, marking a two-point rise compared to the previous poll.
The survey, which involved 1,291 randomly selected Swedish nationals between August 15 and 27, also indicated that 37% of participants supported burning holy books under the umbrella of freedom of expression, while the remaining respondents did not provide an opinion.
In response to public sentiment, both the government and main opposition in Sweden are preparing to modify the law regarding provocations against the Quran. The Swedish government announced earlier this month that it is reviewing the Public Order Law to combat the escalating attacks on the Quran within the country.
Source: Agencies
