Maldives condemns burning of Quran in Sweden
There have been protests in several countries against the act.
By
Mariyam Umna Ismail
Maldives government on Sunday condemned the burning of Quran in Sweden at the behest of the leader of the hardline political party, Strem Kurs.
At the behest of Stram Kurs leader Rasmus Paludan, a Quran paperback was set on fire in Sweden during an anti-Turkey protest in stockholm on Saturday. According to foreign media reports:
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While this act of insulting the Quran took place on Saturday in Sweden, Paludan had announced in April that a 'tour' of Quran-burning will begin in Sweden during the fasting month of Ramadan
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Tensions have erupted in several parts of Sweden
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During Saturday’s protest, Paludan mocked Islam for an hour and criticised the country's immigration policies
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Around 100 people gathered at the spot when they set fire to the Quran
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Protests erupt in Sweden against the move
"Despite the progress made in improving relations despite diverse ideologies, blasphemy continues to undermine our efforts to maintain these relationships and values of unity," the Maldivian foreign ministry said, in a statement condemning the act in Sweden.
"Such acts will only increase hatred and extremism in communities."
While the government of Maldives condemned the act of blasphemy in Sweden, countries like Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait and Turkey condemned the act as well. There have been protests in several countries against it.
