Russia lawmakers condemn Quran burning in Sweden

Salwan Momika protests outside a mosque in Stockholm on June 28, 2023, during the Eid al-Adha holiday. Momika, 37, who fled from Iraq to Sweden several years ago, was granted permission by the Swedish police to burn the Muslim holy book during the demonstration [JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty Images]

Russian lawmakers condemned, on Thursday, burning of a copy of the Quran in Sweden’s capital, Stockholm, Anadolu Agency reports.

The State Duma, lower chamber of the Russian Parliament, adopted a statement, decrying the Sweden authorities’ authorisation for such actions.

The Members of Parliament particularly emphasised that the religious feelings of Muslim people were hurt on the first day of one of the two main Muslim holidays – Eid Al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice.

READ: Swedish police approve small anti-Quran demonstration at mosque

“The deputies of the State Duma strongly condemn another vandalism action approved by the Swedish authorities and urge the officials to take measures to prevent violations of the rights and insults to the religious feelings of Muslims,” the statement said.

On 28 June, Salwan Momika, a 37-year-old immigrant from Iraq, burned a copy of the Muslim Holy Book under police protection in front of Stockholm Mosque.

Momica, who had previously been denied such a demonstration, tore pages from the Holy Book and set it on fire.

Before the burning, he put pork bacon on a copy of the Book, which is a particularly offensive gesture for Muslim believers.

READ: Morocco recalls ambassador to Sweden over Quran burning

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