Amidst growing security and diplomatic concerns, Denmark is contemplating a potential ban on protests involving the burning of the Quran or other religious texts. The Danish foreign ministry acknowledges the importance of protecting freedom of expression but asserts that such protests tend to play into the hands of extremists and pose a significant security threat.
Copenhagen is currently exploring legal avenues to address these issues, particularly focusing on protests occurring outside embassies. Similarly, neighboring Sweden has initiated a similar process in response to mounting pressure after granting permission for controversial protests where the Quran was destroyed, leading to diplomatic tensions with several Muslim-majority nations.
In its official statement, Denmark’s foreign ministry expresses the intent to intervene in specific protests where the actions insult other countries, cultures, and religions, and where such actions might have adverse consequences for Denmark, including security concerns. However, it emphasizes that any changes must respect the constitutionally protected freedom of expression, which is deeply valued in Denmark.
The Danish government also acknowledges the impact of these provocative protests on the country’s international reputation, as Denmark has been perceived in various parts of the world as a nation that facilitates disrespect and denigration of other countries’ cultures, religions, and traditions.
Similarly, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson affirms that Sweden is already in the process of analyzing the legal situation to consider measures aimed at bolstering national security and safeguarding Swedes both in Sweden and abroad. The close communication between Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and her Swedish counterpart demonstrates the seriousness of the situation.
These discussions come in the wake of high-profile incidents involving the burning and stamping of the Quran. In June, an Iraqi Christian refugee living in Sweden burned a copy of the religious text outside Stockholm’s central mosque. Subsequently, he was given permission to destroy another Quran, leading to the evacuation of Sweden’s embassy staff from Baghdad after the embassy was stormed and set on fire by protesters.
In another incident last week, two Danish far-right activists stamped on and set fire to a Quran placed on the ground next to an Iraqi flag outside Iraq’s embassy in Copenhagen. Such actions have heightened tensions and prompted the governments of Denmark and Sweden to address the situation urgently to find a balanced approach between freedom of expression and preserving national security and diplomatic relations.