Egypt Condemns Abuse of Holy Quran by Extremists in Sweden

Egypt condemned in the strongest terms the deliberate abuse of the Holy Quran by a group of far-right extremists in Sweden, and the consequent inflamation of the feelings of Muslims around the world during the holy month of Ramadan.

This incident comes among the extreme right-wing practices that incite against immigrants in general and Muslims in particular.

In a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Egypt confirmed its refusal to prejudice religious principles and beliefs, whatever they are, and to engage in provocative practices that are incompatible with all human values and principles.

Egypt emphasized the need to respect the right to freedom of religion and belief as a basic human right. It called for upholding the common denominators of tolerance, acceptance of others and peaceful coexistence among peoples.

The statement stressed the need to renounce calls for incitement and hatred, and to stop acts of violence, sabotage and provocative actions that would harm the stability, security and peace of societies.

Endowments minister Mohamed Mokhtar Gomaa also called the burning of a Quran a "despicable, racist" act that "fuels feeling of hatred".

Likewise, Saudi Arabia condemned the "deliberate abuse of the holy Quran by some extremists in Sweden and provocation and incitement against Muslims," ​​a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry read.

Jordan also condemned the incident , saying it "contradicts all religious values ​​and principles, as well as the principles of human rights and basic freedoms".

Iraq on Sunday summoned the Swedish envoy in Baghdad over the incident.