Egypt condemns burning of Holy Quran in Sweden

CAIRO – 29 June 2023: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned in a statement Thursday the burning of a copy of the Quran (Muslim Holy Book) by an extremist in the Swedish capital, Stockholm, on Wednesday.

The ministry described the act as "outrageous", and provoking to the feelings of Muslims worldwide, especially that it was carried out on the first day of Eid Al Adha. It added that the incident contradicts the value of respecting the Other and their sacred beliefs, and fuels hostility between peoples.

Egypt stressed its concern about the recurrence of Quran burning incidents, as well as the ascendance of Islamophobia, and hate crimes in some European countries, stipulating its rejection to all ugly practices that target Islamic fundamentals and beliefs.

The statement stressed the responsibility of governments for inhibiting incitement calls and hate crimes, and putting an end to practices that could jeopardize community security and stability. That is in addition to promoting tolerance, acceptance of the Other, and peaceful coexistence among peoples.

The burning of the Muslim Holy Book took place during a demonstration in front of a mosque, which was permitted by the Swedish police that argued that the protest does not pose an immediate security risk, and that the approval is aligned with the right of freedom of expression.