Stockholm, Sweden – The burning of pages from the holy Quran outside a mosque in the center of Stockholm has sparked widespread outrage and. Mr. Miguel Moratinos, the  condemnation High-Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), expressed his unequivocal condemnation of this vile act.
The incident occurred when Salwan Momika, a 37-year-old individual, intentionally stomped on the Islamic holy book and set several pages on fire in front of the largest mosque in the capital city. The action, which took place on Wednesday, has provoked anger and condemnation throughout the Muslim world.
Ms. Nihal Saad, the spokesperson for the High Representative of the UNAOC, released a statement on Thursday emphasizing the disrespectful nature of such an act towards Muslims, who were celebrating the holy occasion of Eid Al-Adha that same day.
While reaffirming the importance of upholding freedom of expression as a fundamental human right, the High-Representative stressed that the desecration of sacred books, places of worship, and religious symbols is unacceptable and has the potential to incite violence.
Moreover, the High Representative reiterated that mutual respect is crucial for establishing and fostering just, inclusive, and peaceful societies founded on human rights and dignity for all.
In this regard, the High-Representative recalled the United Nations Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites, led by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. This plan provides a comprehensive framework and a set of recommendations aimed at strengthening religious pluralism, promoting mutual respect, and upholding human dignity.
Swedish authorities, including the police, are actively investigating the matter, as it may constitute a hate crime. The perpetrator has even issued threats to burn more copies of the Quran in the days to come.
This despicable incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of religious tolerance and the need to protect sacred places and symbols. It has also drawn attention to the pressing need for continued efforts in promoting respect, understanding, and peaceful coexistence among different religious communities.
