Danish government condemns Quran burning near Iraqi embassy

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
22 Jul 2023 19:44
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The Danish Ministry says the Muslim population is a valued part of the Danish population.

The Danish national flag flies at half-mast at Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen, Denmark 17, 2021 (AFP)

The Danish Foreign Ministry condemned the burning of the Quran in front of the Iraqi embassy in Copenhagen, describing it as a provocation that would espouse sedition between religious and cultural groups.

"The Danish government condemns the burning of the Quran. Burning of holy texts and other religious symbols is a shameful act that disrespects the religion of others. It is a provocative act that hurts many people and creates a division between different religions and cultures," the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry emphasized the importance of religious diversity and tolerance in Denmark citing the sizeable number of Muslim citizens in Denmark.

"They [Danish Muslims] are a valued part of the Danish population. Denmark underlines that freedom of expression and freedom of assembly must be respected. Denmark supports the right to protest but emphasizes it must remain peaceful," the ministry added.

Yesterday, on Friday, a Danish far-right anti-Islam group burned a copy of the Quran outside the Iraqi embassy in Denmark's capital, Copenhagen.

The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the burning of a copy of the Holy Quran and the Iraqi flag outside the Iraqi embassy in Denmark.

The Ministry affirmed its full commitment to following up on the developments of these "heinous" incidents, which cannot be placed in the context of freedom of expression.

The statement underlined that these violations ignite reactions, calling on the international community to stand urgently and responsibly against these crimes that violate peace and coexistence around the world.

In the same context, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson affirmed that the Danish government is responsible for stopping acts insulting sanctities and holding perpetrators accountable, stressing the need for the unity of Islamic governments, peoples, and followers of monotheistic religions against any desecration of the Holy Quran.