Muslim-majority nations have expressed deep outrage at the recent desecration of a copy of the Quran in Sweden. Sparking preparations for street demonstrations following midday prayers to show their anger.
The incident occurred outside the Iraqi Embassy in Stockholm, where an Iraqi Christian living in the city kicked and stood on the Quran, Islam’s holy book. In response, protests erupted in Iraq, with demonstrators in Baghdad breaking into the Swedish Embassy. Moreover setting it on fire in a display of their anger at the provocations.
The reaction from the Iraqi government has been strong, with Prime Minister Shia al-Sudani ordering the expulsion of the Swedish ambassador from Iraq and withdrawing the Iraqi charge d’affaires from Sweden. However, these measures may not be enough to appease the anger of those who feel deeply offended by the desecration. Another protest is planned for Friday afternoon in Baghdad.
Iran, another Muslim-majority nation, has also reacted strongly to the incident. Demonstrations are planned in Iran, and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has written a letter to the United Nations secretary-general to address the Quran’s desecration. The Swedish ambassador has been summoned to explain the situation.
Heightened Tensions between Sweden and Muslim Communities
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani has expressed the nation’s concern. Stating that they hold the Swedish government responsible for the provocative reactions from Muslims worldwide. The situation has heightened tensions between Sweden and Muslim communities across the globe.
During the demonstration in Stockholm, the man not only desecrated the Quran but also showed disrespect to prominent leaders in Iran and Iraq. He wiped his feet with a picture of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and did the same to a photo of Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, a powerful leader in Iraq.
In Lebanon, the Shiite militant group Hezbollah has also called for a demonstration, joining other nations in expressing their outrage. Hezbollah, whose main sponsors are Khamenei and Iran’s theocracy. He has called on Muslims to demand their governments expel Sweden’s ambassadors.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah issued a video address. Urging Muslims to gather at mosques with their Qurans and call on their respective governments to take a strong stance toward Sweden. Quran Desecration in Sweden has garnered significant attention and poses diplomatic challenges for the nation. As the incident’s repercussions spread throughout Muslim communities.
As protests continue and emotions run high, the international community is closely monitoring the situation. To see how it unfolds and whether diplomatic resolutions can be reached to mitigate tensions. And restore relations between Sweden and the Muslim-majority nations expressing their anger.