Sweden steps up security controls after Quran burning campaign

The Swedish police and security services are taking additional measures to ensure security in the country after the action with the burning of the Koran in Stockholm. About it says in an article by the Swedish Foreign Ministry.

“The Swedish Police Department has confirmed that it is currently making the necessary adjustments to controls and is expanding its collaboration with other relevant authorities to address the threat. The Swedish security service has also stepped up its work against violent extremists,” the article says.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the Ministry of Justice of the country was also informed about the organization by the police of control at internal borders “in the light of recent events related to the demonstration last Wednesday [28 июня] in the center of Stockholm.

The Swedish government introduced border controls back in May due to the “increased threat to Sweden” amid previous demonstrations with the burning of the Koran, the department recalled. They noted that, despite the “strong protection” of freedom of speech in the country, the Swedish government does not support “every statement.” Legitimate demonstrations “can be controversial and offensive,” according to the Foreign Ministry article. At the same time, such actions “have serious consequences for the internal security of Sweden,” the department added.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that the organizer of the last action with the burning of the Koran has a temporary residence permit in Sweden. He is currently under investigation on charges of inciting religious hatred.

On June 28, an immigrant from Iraq, Salvan Momika, held an action with the burning of the Koran on Medborjarplatsen square in the center of Stockholm. The demonstration took place on the day of Eid al-Adha, one of the most important holidays for Muslims. The action was coordinated with the Metropolitan Police. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson considered permission to hold this action is legal but inappropriate.

On June 29, the UAE Foreign Ministry summoned the Swedish Ambassador, Lieselotte Anderson, to strongly protest her and condemn the demonstration. In addition, the Swedish Ambassador was summoned to the Jordanian Foreign Ministry. On the same day in Baghdad (capital of Iraq) passed protests over the burning of the Koran in Sweden. In particular, the demonstrators broke into the territory of the Swedish embassy. Iraqi Foreign Ministry demanded from the Swedish authorities to extradite the organizer of the action.