The prime minister of Sweden has condemned as “deeply disrespectful” weekend burning of the Koran in Stockholm, which raised tensions with Turkey as the Nordic countries court Ankara through a NATO offer.
Far-right politician Rasmus Paludan burned a copy of the Muslim holy book in front of the Turkish embassy in the Swedish capital.
Furious that Paludan had been allowed by the Swedish police to stage a protest, Ankara canceled a visit by the Swedish defense minister and summoned the Stockholm ambassador.
Late on Saturday, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson tweeted: “Freedom of expression is a fundamental part of democracy. But what is legal is not always appropriate. Burning a holy book in front of a crowd is a very indecent act.
“I want to express my sympathy to all Muslims who are offended by what is happening in Stockholm today.”
The Paludan demonstration further strained relations as Stockholm tried to convince NATO member Turkey to approve Sweden and Finland joining the military alliance.
Sweden’s offer has stalled over Ankara’s demands that Stockholm hand over Kurdish activists and prevent demonstrations against the Turkish leader.
Many Muslim countries said they were outraged by the burning of the Koran on Saturday.
Morocco said it was “surprised” the authorities allowed this to happen “in front of Swedish troops”.
Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates also condemned it, as did the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
Jakarta said that “the act of blasphemy against the holy book has undermined and undermined religious tolerance”, adding that “freedom of expression must be exercised responsibly”.
Dozens of protesters gathered late Saturday in front of the Swedish consulate in Istanbul, where they burned the Swedish flag and called on Turkey to cut diplomatic ties with Stockholm.
Paludan, a Swedish-Danish activist who has been convicted of racial abuse, provoked riots in Sweden last year when he went on a tour of the country and publicly burned a copy of the Koran.