Swedish Prime Minister Criticism Of Al-Quran Burning, But Still Allow It To Be Doing

Sweden Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson. (photo: twitter @SwedishPM)

JAKARTA- Sweden criticized the burning of the Al-Quran code by far-right Swedish extremist-Denmark in Stockholm. But the country's government defended its decision to allow the action to take place. In a post on Twitter on Saturday 21 January, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said, Freedom of expression is fundamental in democracy. However, what is in accordance with the law is not necessarily appropriate. burning a book that is considered sacred to many people is a very harsh act. I would like to express my sympathy to all Muslims who feel insulted by what is happening in Stockholm, said Ulf, quoted from Antara.

Freedom of expression is a fundamental part of democracy. But what is legal is not necessarily appropriate. Burning books that are holy to many is a deeply disrespectful act. I want to express my sympathy for all Muslims who are offended by what has happened in Stockholm today.

— SwedishPM (@SwedishPM) January 21, 2023

The same thing was said by Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom. "The Islamophobic provocation is terrible. Sweden has broad freedom of opinion, but that doesn't mean that the Swedish Government, or myself, supports the expressed opinion," he said. The Danish right-wing leader (Hardary) received permission from the Swedish government to burn the Quran in front of the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm on Saturday, January 21.

Responding to Sweden's permit, Ankara canceled Sweden's Defense Minister Pal Johnson's visit to Turkey. Turkey's Foreign Ministry on Friday, January 20, summoned Swedish Ambassador at Ankara Staffafan Herrstrom to be notified that Turkey difficultly condemns the provocative act, which is clearly a hate crime, and Sweden's attitude is unacceptable". Turkey also hopes that such actions are not permitted and insults to sacred values cannot be defended on the grounds of democracy.