Burns Of The Qur'an Can't Be Placed In Europe, EU Officials: Manifestation Of Racism, Xenophobia And Intolerance

JAKARTA - The European Union (EU) Coordinator for Combating Anti-Muslim Hate said the bloc considers the protests on the burning of the Koran to have no place in Europe, but the matter of prohibition, depends on the policies of each country.

Marion Lalesse said EU countries must achieve a very good balance between freedom of expression and religion.

Lalesse said the bloc argues "burning a book deemed holy is inconsistent with our fundamental values".

"This can be considered as a manifestation of racism, xenophobia and intolerance and this has no place in Europe," he told The National News, as quoted July 14.

When asked about possible bans, he said burning the Qur'an could be considered as incitement to hatred, an act that should have been punished by EU countries under 2008 direction.

However, what is meant by sedition depends on 27 EU members, with Lalisse saying member states will try to avoid violations of freedom of expression.

"Depending on member states to implement this framework decision, they have a diverse approach in this field," he explained.

"This is a matter of dialogue and ensuring we also pay attention to how this can offend people," continued Lalisse.

"I fully understand, it is not easy for law enforcement and judicial agencies in member states to create a very good balance between freedom of religion and freedom of expression," he said.

Lalisse, who has received votes from the Organization of Islamic States (OIC), said one of its goals was to address racial bias within the police, following the shooting of a teenager of Algerian descent that caused riots across France.

He said the European Union would encourage training for police officers to prevent people from being illegally profiled by race.

"Unfortunately, recent incidents in France show this is very important," said Lalisse.

The debate over the burning of the Qur'an has resurfaced, after two recent protests in Stockholm that led to criticism from the Muslim world.

Sweden says it is considering whether incidents designed to provoke and lead to insults constitute a crime under its law.

This week, the UN Human Rights Council, a resolution related to hatred against religion, said people responsible for acts of blasphemy should be held accountable. The US and the European Union voted against the resolution.

Swedish authorities voiced concerns about violent retaliation after the burning of the Qur'an last month. However, the country's judges decided it was not enough reason to violate freedom of expression.

Laisse itself was appointed in February, shortly after the burning of an Al-Quran outside the Turkish Embassy in Sweden.

He plans to appoint a team of experts to map anti-Islamic hate conditions in Europe, describing a recent report from Germany that says discrimination is a daily reality for Muslims, as a terrible thing.

The planned European report "should be the first time we have such a reflection, such thoughts at the EU level, with recommendations for a path forward," he said.