Sweden’s Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, has spoken out against the recent acts of Quran burning by anti-Islam activists, stating that these destructive acts are undermining Sweden’s national security. In a Facebook post, Kristersson emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting that these incidents have escalated the risks for Sweden, making it a priority target for terrorist attacks.
According to an assessment by the Swedish police, Sweden has transitioned from being a legitimate target to a priority target due to these burning incidents. Kristersson expressed concern that Sweden may become a pawn in the games played by outside powers, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the country.
These Quran-burning events have not gone unnoticed globally. Mikael Ostlund, the head of communication at Sweden’s Psychological Defense Agency, accused Russia of utilizing these incidents in its disinformation campaign. Ostlund claimed that Russia aims to create increased anxiety and polarization in Sweden, making it more difficult for the country to join NATO.
Several Quran-destroying demonstrations have taken place in recent weeks outside the Iraqi embassy in Stockholm with prior consent from the police. These acts of desecration have sparked outrage, leading to the temporary closure of the Swedish embassy in Baghdad after it was set on fire by Iraqis protesting against the Quran’s desecration.
The repercussions of these burning incidents have extended beyond Iraq, with several Muslim-majority countries, including Türkiye, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, the UAE, and Jordan, condemning Sweden’s actions. The global condemnation reflects the deep offense and hurt caused by these acts of disrespect towards a sacred religious text.
Prime Minister Kristersson revealed that Swedish police have received several permit applications for the burning of religious texts, although he did not specifically mention the Quran. The approval granted for burning the Torah and the Bible outside the Israeli embassy was later abandoned by the activist, who instead chose to protest against the desecration of holy books from any faith.
Kristersson expressed his concern over the potential escalation of events if these permits are granted, acknowledging the significant risk of serious consequences. He emphasized that it is the police, not him, who make the decisions regarding permit approvals.
The burning of religious texts, particularly the Quran, has deeply alarmed Sweden’s political leadership. Kristersson’s statements reflect his extreme concern for the security implications and the potential for further attacks or unrest. It is essential for Sweden to address these incidents and work towards preventing such acts of provocation in the future, as the consequences pose a grave threat to the country’s stability and security.
In conclusion, Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has condemned the Quran-burning incidents, stating that they harm the country’s national security. These acts have elevated Sweden to a priority target for terrorist attacks and have led to accusations of Russia’s involvement in fueling anxiety and polarization. The outrage caused by these incidents has reverberated globally, with Muslim-majority countries expressing their condemnation. The Swedish government is deeply concerned about the potential consequences of granting permits for future burning events and the risks they pose to public safety. It is crucial for Sweden to address this issue and take measures to prevent such acts in order to safeguard its national security.
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