There have been protests in recent weeks.
(Photo: dpa)
Baghdad After the announcement of another planned burning of the Koran in Sweden, demonstrators stormed the country’s embassy in Iraq and set it on fire. According to eyewitnesses, hundreds marched to the embassy, many of whom climbed over barriers and shouted slogans like “Yes, yes to the Koran”.
Photos and videos on social networks showed crowds of protesters on Thursday night at an entrance to the building in Baghdad, as well as fire and clouds of smoke. Some allegedly made their way inside the building, while others celebrated on the street, waving Iraqi flags. Among the protesters were supporters of the influential Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr
The Swedish Foreign Ministry said it was informed about the situation and was in constant contact with the local staff. “Our employees are safe,” said the press office in Stockholm. “We condemn all attacks on diplomats and employees of international organizations.” It is the task of Iraqi security forces to protect diplomatic missions. Videos showed little resistance from security forces during the night’s commotion.
Swedish police had previously approved a request for a public meeting to be held outside the Iraqi embassy in Stockholm on Thursday. According to the Swedish news agency TT, one person wanted to burn a Koran and an Iraqi flag.
Only two people are said to take part in the demonstration – as was the case with a Koran burning at the end of June, which triggered great anger and protests among Muslims both abroad and within Sweden, including in Baghdad. According to eyewitnesses in Baghdad, demonstrators said the protest was a reaction to the new planned burning of the Koran in Sweden.
A copy of the Koran was set on fire during a demonstration in front of the Stockholm mosque at the end of June. There were widespread protests in Iraq. Morocco withdrew its ambassador from Sweden, and Saudi Arabia summoned the Swedish ambassador.
Pope Francis also commented on the incident and was “angry and disgusted”. Willful desecration of the Koran is considered blasphemous in Islam. There are penalties for doing so in many Islamic countries.
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