EU rejects Quran burning in Sweden

 

The European Union (EU), a political and economic union of 27 member states in Europe, has issued a "strong rejection" of the Quran burning in Sweden, calling it "offensive, disrespectful, and a clear act of provocation."

The EU said in a statement, “This act in no way reflects the opinions of the European Union… Manifestations of racism, xenophobia and related intolerance have no place in Europe.” 

The statement from the bloc said that the Quran burning was made more deplorable during a time when Muslims across the world were celebrating Eid Al-Adha, one of the main holidays celebrated in Islam. 

The EU reportedly said, “EU continues to stand up for freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression, abroad and at home. It is the time to stand together for mutual understanding and respect and to prevent any further escalation.”

The EU stated that it was closely monitoring events in Iraq, where thousands of protestors gathered in front of the Swedish embassy in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, on Friday, to demand the termination of diplomatic ties with Stockholm, the capital of Sweden.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), an intergovernmental organization consisting of 57 member states, including 48 Muslim-majority countries, has convened an emergency meeting of its executive committee to address the issue of Quran burning in Sweden.

On Wednesday, Muslims across the world observed the first day of Eid al-Adha, one of the most important festivals in the Muslim calendar. 

In compliance with free-speech rights, Swedish police granted Salwan Momika, an Iraqi living in Sweden, a permit for the protest. However, authorities later stated that the incident was being probed for incitement of hatred.

Iraq, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Arab Republic of Egypt strongly criticised the burning of Quran in Sweden.