EU: We will continue to support religious freedoms and freedom of expression at home and abroad

Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, stated that following the acts against the Holy Qur'an in Sweden and Denmark, the EU rejects all actions that promote religious hatred.

In his statement on the desecration of the Holy Quran, Borrell said: "Following the actions of some people in Europe that have hurt many Muslims, the EU reiterates its strong and firm rejection of any form of incitement to religious hatred and intolerance.

Emphasising that respect for religious communities is part of EU values, Borrell said that disrespect for the Holy Quran or any holy book is a clear provocation.

Borrell noted that racism, xenophobia and intolerance have no place in the EU and continued as follows:

"We will continue to support religious freedom and freedom of expression at home and abroad. But not everything that is legal is moral. Now is the time for mutual understanding and respect. These actions by provocateurs only serve the interests of those who seek to divide us and our societies."

Attacks on the Holy Quran
In Sweden, which has been the scene of attacks on the Holy Quran before, Salwan Momika of Iraqi origin burned the Holy Quran under police protection in front of the Stockholm Mosque on the first day of Eid al-Adha on 28 June.

Momika also trampled the Holy Quran and the Iraqi flag under police protection in front of the Iraqi Embassy in Stockholm on 20 July.

In Denmark, members of the anti-Islamic and ultra-nationalist group "Danske Patrioter (Danish Patriots)" burned the Holy Quran in front of the Iraqi Embassy in Copenhagen on 21 July.

Then, on 24 July, members of the group burned the Holy Quran in front of the Embassies of Iran and then Iraq in Copenhagen.

The group had previously insulted Islam by attacking the Turkish flag and the Holy Quran in front of the Turkish Embassy in Copenhagen on 14 April.