Swedish FM Comments on Burning of Holy Quran

Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström commented on the Swedish authorities' allowing an extremist to burn a copy of the Holy Quran in Stockholm.

On his Twitter account, Billström said: "The anti-Islamic provocations are appalling."

"Sweden has far-reaching freedom of expression, but it does not mean that the Swedish government, or I, endorse the views that are expressed," he added.

Islamophobic provocations are appalling. Sweden has a far-reaching freedom of expression, but it does not imply that the Swedish Government, or myself, support the opinions expressed.

— Tobias Billström (@TobiasBillstrom) January 21, 2023

The "Nordic News" website reportedon Friday that the Swedish authorities allowed the Swedish-Danish far-right extremist Rasmus Paludan to burn a copy of the "Quran" in front of the Turkish embassy in Stockholm on Saturday.

🛑 BREAKING

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Sweden allows burning of the Quran in front of Turkish Embassy, And even provides Ramus Paludan (A Convicted Racist) Police protection.

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Is this not important enough for the mainstream to cover? pic.twitter.com/dOH50boJYB

— Censored Men (@CensoredMen) January 21, 2023

Meantime,  Turkey canceled a planned visit by Sweden’s defense minister in response to anti-Turkish protests that increased tension between the two countries as Sweden seeks Turkey’s approval to join NATO.