On the first day of Eid al-Adha, which is celebrated by millions of Muslims worldwide, a group of protesters gathered outside the Stockholm Central Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Sweden, and tear up and burn a copy of the holy Qur’an. The Swedish police had granted permission for the “protest” after the Court of Appeal refused to ban such “protests”. In this regard, the Council of European Muslims:
– Strongly condemns the tearing and burning of the Holy Qur’an, and considers it a blatant and provocative attack on millions of Muslims’ religious feelings and sanctities. It is an unacceptable act that only increases the spread of hatred among members of the same society.
– Stresses that this deliberate insult to the feelings of Muslims as they celebrate the Eid holidays cannot be justified in freedom of expression, as respect for others’ beliefs and sanctities is a priority value worthy of consideration.
– Demands the Swedish authorities put an end to such provocative actions that threaten coexistence and societal peace and give a bad image of Sweden and its known openness and respect for religious minorities.
The Council of European Muslims
30th June 2023