Suspected arson attack severely damages mosque in south-eastern Sweden

A fire caused heavy damage to a mosque in south-eastern Sweden, according to local media, Anadolu Agency reports.

The fire in the Arby section of the city of Eskilstuna was caused by arson, Anas Deneche, the mosque’s Communication Director, told public broadcaster, SR.

Police records show the mosque has faced threats and was subjected to physical attacks, he said, adding that they are sure that this was an arson attack.

The mosque is unusable due to the damage, according to local police.

An investigation of the incident is under way, it added.

Rescue officer Anders Sisler said: “The main building of the mosque was not salvageable. The building burned from the roof.”

No injuries related to the fire were recorded, as no one was in the mosque when the fire broke out, according to the officer.

In Sweden, where more than 600,000 Muslims live, incidents of desecrating the Quran in front of mosques and Islamic countries’ embassies have been taking place recently, sparking widespread anger in the Islamic world and prompting some capitals to summon Swedish diplomats to register an official objection.

Some 53 per cent of Swedes support a ban on burning the Quran and other sacred books.

On 25 July, the UN adopted a resolution, drafted by Morocco, condemning all acts of violence targeting holy books as a violation of international law.

READ: Quran burnings: Free speech or hate speech?