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Middle East denounces Sweden as riots break out over Quran burning

A far-right politician had planned to burn a copy of the Quran but called it off as Muslim citizens rioted.
MADS CLAUS RASMUSSEN/AFP via Getty Images

Several Middle Eastern governments and politicians have spoken out against plans by a far-right politician in Sweden to burn a copy of the Quran. 

The controversy began with plans by the Swedish-Danish politician Rasmus Paludan to hold a rally yesterday in the Swedish city Norrkoping. Paludan, who leads the far-right and anti-Muslim immigration party Hard Line, reportedly planned to burn a copy of the Quran at the event. Paludan has burned the Islamic holy book in the past. 

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