Quran once again desecrated at protest outside Sweden parliament

Two men desecrated Holy Quran outside parliament in Stockholm on Monday at a protest similar to previous ones that have sparked tensions between Sweden and Muslim countries.

Salwan Momika and Salwan Najem desecrated the holy book, as they had done at a protest outside Stockholm’s main mosque in late June – sparking outrage and condemnation across the Muslim world.

The duo also staged a similar protest outside Iraq’s embassy in Stockholm on July 20.

Swedish police granted a permit for the protest by campaigners hoping to see the Quran banned in the country, according to local media.

“I will burn it many times, until you ban it,” organiser Salwan Najem told Expression newspaper.

AFP requested a copy of the application in addition to the permit from police, but did not immediately get a response.

Sweden has already seen its diplomatic relations with several Middle Eastern nations strained over previous protests involving Quran desecrations.

Swedish police have previously stressed they only grant permits for people to hold public gatherings and not for the activities conducted during the events.

Both previous protests have led to widespread outrage and condemnations.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose support is crucial for Sweden’s candidacy to join the NATO defence alliance, has expressed deep anger at Quran desecrations.