2023-09-03 19:04:17
After violent clashes in the wake of renewed Koran desecration in Sweden, around ten people have been arrested. As the Swedish police announced on Sunday, the protest event was organized by the Iraqi refugee Salwan Momika, who had repeatedly desecrated the Koran in various ways over the past few months, triggering mass protests in predominantly Muslim countries.
The protest event took place in a square in the southern Swedish city of Malmo, which is home to many immigrants. As the Swedish broadcaster SVT reported, about 200 spectators gathered. Police said some viewers were upset that Momika had “burned writings.” The atmosphere was “heated” and a “violent tumult” broke out.
About ten people were arrested for disturbing public order and two others for rioting, the police said. According to local media, several bystanders threw stones at Momika. Video from the protest showed some bystanders attempting to breach the security line before being stopped by police. Another video showed a man trying to stop the police car that was taking Momika away.
Momika justified his actions with the fact that he wanted to draw Swedish society’s attention to the danger posed by the Koran. His desecrations of the Koran have led to intense tensions between Sweden and Muslim countries such as Iraq and Saudi Arabia, as well as to protests, some of which have been violent. Several Muslim countries ordered Sweden’s ambassadors.
The Swedish government has condemned the desecration of the Koran and at the same time referred to the strong protection of freedom of expression and assembly, which is enshrined in the constitution. At the end of August, the Swedish government stepped up its border protection measures because of the sometimes violent reactions to the desecration of the Koran. In addition, the legal options for banning protest actions such as the burning of writings are being examined.
1693768323
#Arrests #renewed #desecration #Koran #Sweden