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.
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.
Violent riots broke out in several areas of Sweden over the plan. Rioters clashed with police leading to dozens of arrests. Paludan ended up canceling the rally, saying police could not protect him.
Sweden has a large Muslim community that makes up around 8% of the population. Many came from Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan in 2016 at the height of the refugee crisis. The growth of Sweden’s Muslim community has fueled populist right-wing political parties in the Scandinavian country.
