Some 250 angry Muslims gathered outside the Swedish Consulate in Istanbul, where a photo of Danish anti-Islam activist Rasmus Paludan was set on fire. Paludan burned Islam’s holy book outside the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm on Saturday (something he has done many times before in both Sweden and Denmark), sparking protests in Istanbul and Ankara that night.
Al-Jazeera Participants in Sunday’s event carried green flags featuring the Islamic proclamation of faith and banner that said “We condemn Sweden’s state-supported Islamophobia.” A sign on a window of the Swedish Consulate read, “We do not share that book-burning idiot’s view.”
The protests have renewed concerns about Turkey holding up Sweden and Finland’s bid to join NATO. Turkey has not yet ratified the Nordic nations’ memberships in the military alliance, saying Sweden needs to address Ankara’s security concerns. Turkish officials slammed Sweden for allowing the Quran-burning protest
So-called ‘conservative’ Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson tweeted late Saturday that freedom of expression was crucial to democracy but added that “what is legal is not necessarily appropriate.“ “Burning books that are holy to many is a deeply disrespectful act. I want to express my sympathy for all Muslims who are offended by what has happened in Stockholm today,” Kristersson said.
Mustafa Demircan, one of the people protesting in Istanbul on Sunday, said the act of burning the Quran should not be considered an act protected by the right of free expression (Showing his ignorance of the definition of ‘freedom of expression’).
David says
Gee a man burned the Quran! Some Muslims got angry as usual. Threats of violence were issued and guess what? The world turned, humanity survived and Allah the non God did absolutely Nothing.
Kagman says
These filthy animals will do the same thing to this patriot of his people as what happened to Salmon Rushdie… These sub-humans have no place in western civilization… NONE
Az gal says
Paludan’s days are numbered in Sweden. They won’t allow him to keep expressing blasphemy toward Islam, unfortunately.
Az gal says
Paludan did Sweden & the entire Western world a huge favor. Just kick the Muslim vermin Turks out! Stay out of the UN anyway!
Donald says
NATO not UN