The request for permission was submitted by a small, unknown Swedish organization, Apallarkerna, to protest against joining NATO.
Swedish police banned a Koran-burning demonstration today, after a first such incident in January angered Turkey and halted Sweden’s bid to join NATO.
Citing the risk of attack and the consequences for Sweden’s security after this burning of the Koran, the Scandinavian country’s police this time refused to give permission to the organizers, who planned to mobilize near the Turkish embassy in Stockholm, according to with the decision that came to the knowledge of the French Agency.
“The burning of the Koran outside the Turkish embassy in January 2023 was a threat both against Swedish society and against Sweden, Swedish interests abroad and Swedes abroad,” the Authority underlined.
“Sweden has become a more privileged target for attacks,” he added.
The request for permission was submitted by a small, unknown Swedish organization, Apallarkerna, to protest against joining NATO.
In late January, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Sweden, already accused by Ankara of harboring Kurdish “terrorists”, that it could no longer count on Ankara’s “support” after a far-right activist, Rasmus Paludan, burned a copy of the Koran in Stockholm.
This act, carried out by an extremist anti-Islamist, under police protection and in front of cameras, caused a series of protests in Muslim countries.
At the time, the police had given permission for the demonstration to take place, considering that the burning of a copy of the Koran was within the framework of freedom of expression, which is guaranteed by the Constitution.
NATO negotiations have since been suspended with Turkey, which is now struggling to cope with the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in its southeast.
Today, the Swedish intelligence agency, Säpo, warned of an increased terrorist threat targeting Sweden and its interests.
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With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
