Koran set alight at protest outside Sweden parliament
Koran alight outside parliament in Stockholm on Monday, an AFP reporter saw, at a protest similar to previous ones that have sparked tensions between Sweden and Middle Eastern countries.Salwan Momika and Salwan Najem kicked and stomped on the Muslim holy book, then set its pages on fire before slamming it shut, as they had done at a protest outside Stockholm's main mosque in late June — sparking outrage and condemnation across the Middle East. The duo also staged a similar protest outside Iraq's embassy in Stockholm on July 20, where they stomped on the religious text but did not burn it. Swedish police granted a permit for the protest by campaigners hoping to see the Koran banned in the country, according to local media.
«I will burn it many times, until you ban it,» organiser Salwan Najem told Expressen newspaper. AFP requested a copy of the application in addition to the permit from police, but did not immediately get a response. Sweden has already seen its diplomatic relations with several Middle Eastern nations strained over previous protests involving Koran desecrations.
Swedish police have previously stressed they only grant permits for people to hold public gatherings and not for the activities conducted during the events. Both previous protests have led to widespread outrage and condemnations. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose support is crucial for Sweden's candidacy to join the NATO defence alliance, has expressed deep anger at the Koran burnings.
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