- Pakistan and Egypt Condemn European Sacrilege Incidents
- Swedish Government’s Response: Enhancing Security Measures to Prevent Terrorism
- Stockholm Faces Increased Vulnerability and Takes Action to Counter Terrorism Threats
Pakistan and Egypt continued their condemnation of successive acts of sacrilege in Europe on Thursday, which have sparked widespread outrage and condemnation throughout the Muslim world.
In response to a worsening security situation following protests involving the desecration of the Holy Quran, the Swedish government has instructed 15 government agencies to enhance the country’s ability to prevent terrorism.
Pakistan condemned the desecration of the Muslim holy book and the dishonoring of its national flag outside its embassy in Copenhagen on Thursday.
Similarly, Cairo summoned the Danish ambassador after a third incident of this nature transpired in Denmark within a week.
“A vigorous protest has been lodged with the Danish administration. FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated in a weekly briefing, as reported by Pakistan’s state-run Associated Press, that the Danish government is expected to take all necessary steps to stop such acts of hostility and incitement.
Stockholm attempts to distance itself from the fires; the Swedish prime minister also asserts that terror attack concerns have increased.
She stated that, by any definition, these actions do not comprise freedom of expression, nor can the authorization of provocative acts of religious hatred be justified under the guise of freedom of expression, opinion, and protest.
Noting that Pakistan has always maintained that freedom of expression comes with responsibilities, Ms. Baloch stated: “It is the responsibility of national governments, regional organizations, and the international community at large to call out, condemn, and prevent Islamophobia and religious hatred.”
Sweden ‘distances itself
To distance the state from these acts of profanity, Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom stated on Thursday that the state does not sanction or condone the destruction of the Holy Quran.
“There is a perception in some countries that the Swedish government is behind or condones this. We do not,” Billstrom told reporters, according to Reuters, adding that they are permitted by Swedish free speech laws.
“These are acts committed by individuals, but they do so within the framework of freedom of speech laws,” he explained.
The minister stated that he had communicated with the foreign ministers of Iran, Iraq, Algeria, and Lebanon, among others, as well as the secretary-general of the United Nations.
“And now I will speak with the Organisation of Islamic Countries’ secretary-general. It is essential to emphasize that this is a long-term problem for which there are no quick solutions,” he said.
Stockholm in danger
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated in a statement that recent acts of arson have increased Sweden’s vulnerability.
“According to the Swedish Security Service, we have gone from being a legitimate target for terrorist attacks to a prioritized target,” he was quoted as saying by AFP, adding that the situation was “very grave.”
In response, fifteen government agencies, including the Swedish armed forces, several law enforcement agencies, and the Swedish tax agency, were also tasked with “intensifying their work” under the direction of the security service.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer stated at a press conference that the work would strengthen Sweden’s “ability to prevent, deter, and impede terrorism and violent extremism.”
The announcement comes one day after the Swedish government declared that the nation was the target of disinformation campaigns.
