Iran, Saudi Arabia condemn Quran protest as Sweden relocates embassy staff from Iraq
Another provocative protest by Sweden-based Iraqi refugee Salwan Momika targeting Islam’s holy book has the region up in arms once again.
The desecration of a Quran by an Iraqi refugee in Sweden continues to provoke anger throughout the Middle East, with more countries condemning the attack and summoning Swedish ambassadors on Friday.
Background: Salwan Momika stepped on a Quran during a protest in the Scandinavian country on Thursday. The act was permitted by Swedish authorities on free speech grounds. Iraqi protesters stormed and set fire to Sweden’s embassy in Baghdad Thursday at dawn after news of Momika’s plans spread. Iraq condemned the attack on the embassy but also expelled the Swedish ambassador over Momika’s actions, according to Agence France-Presse.
In June, Momika set fire to a Quran and placed strips of pork bacon on it outside a mosque in Stockholm. This likewise led to widespread condemnation throughout the Middle East as well as protests in Iraq.
Reactions: Iran summoned the Swedish ambassador on Thursday, calling the events in Sweden “organized violence,” the Islamic Republic News Agency reported.
