Copenhagen: Further fuelling the tensions, a group of anti-Islam activists, identifying themselves as the ‘Danish Patriots,’ set fire to Qur'ans in front of the Egyptian and Turkish embassies in Copenhagen, drawing widespread condemnation from Islamic countries.
This act of provocation came after similar protests in Denmark and Sweden over the past weeks that have sparked outrage among Muslim communities worldwide.
Denmark and Sweden have expressed their strong disapproval of the burning of Islam's holy book but find themselves caught in a dilemma, citing the protection of free speech under their laws. Despite widespread condemnation, authorities in both countries assert their inability to prevent non-violent demonstrations, including those that involve the destruction of religious texts.
The Danish Patriots' demonstration in Copenhagen on Tuesday was a follow-up to previous Quran burnings they had orchestrated in front of the Iraqi embassy. The group's actions have garnered international attention, leading to repercussions beyond Scandinavian borders.
Egypt and Bahrain summoned Sweden's chargé d'affaires to denounce the incidents of Qur'an burning in Stockholm. Egypt's foreign ministry spokesperson expressed "strong condemnation and complete rejection" of these "unfortunate and repeated" acts of disrespect towards the Holy Qur'an.
Iraq's foreign ministry also weighed in on the matter, urging EU countries to reconsider the concept of freedom of expression and the right to demonstrate in light of the ongoing Quran burnings. These demonstrations have sparked anger and frustration among Iraqis, leading to the Swedish embassy in Baghdad being set ablaze by protesters.
In response to the escalating tensions, Turkey condemned what they called a "despicable attack" on the Qur'an and called on Denmark to take necessary measures to prevent such "hate crimes" against Islam.
Despite the international backlash, Danish legal experts, including University of Copenhagen law professor Trine Baumbach, have asserted that current Danish laws protect the right to freedom of speech, even when it includes acts such as the burning of items as a form of expression.