Current:Home > MarketsSweden leader says "clear risk" of retaliatory terror attacks as Iran issues threats over Quran desecration-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Sweden leader says "clear risk" of retaliatory terror attacks as Iran issues threats over Quran desecration
View Date:2024-12-23 22:09:38
Recent small-scale protests in Sweden's capital that saw a man desecrate Islam's holy book, the Quran, and the prospect of more such demonstrations, have left the Nordic nation torn between upholding its longstanding tradition of freedom of expression and safeguarding residents from potential retaliation from those offended by the acts.
The demonstrations have fueled anger in the Muslim world, and with officials in Iran calling for reprisals, the Swedish government moved this week to enhance its counterterrorism capabilities, instructing 15 government agencies, including its armed forces and various law enforcement bodies, to bolster security measures.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer said the measures would enable Sweden to "deter and impede terrorism and violent extremism."
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said he was "deeply concerned" as more requests were being submitted to the country's police for permission to hold anti-Muslim protests involving the desecration of Qurans.
"If they are granted, we are going to face some days where there is a clear risk of something serious happening. I am extremely worried about what it could lead to," Kristersson told Swedish news agency TT on Thursday.
He warned that the Swedish Security Service had determined that while the country had long been considered a "legitimate" target for terror attacks by various militant groups and lone actors inspired by them, it was now deemed to be a "prioritized" target.
Animosity toward Sweden in many Muslim nations soared in June, when a Christian Iraqi refugee burned a copy of the Quran outside Stockholm's Grand Mosque on the day of Eid-ul-Adha, the most important festival on the Muslim calendar.
Two weeks later the same man, Salwan Momika, 37, who sought asylum in Sweden a few years ago, staged another protest where he stomped on a Quran and used the Iraqi flag to wipe his shoes outside the Iraqi embassy in the Swedish capital.
For the second time his actions drew scores of angry Iraqi protesters to the Swedish embassy in Baghdad, with the crowd managing to breach the compound's perimeter and even set part of it on fire.
Iraq's government cut its diplomatic ties with Stockholm, and many other Muslim nations have summoned Swedish ambassadors in their capitals to formally lodge protests over the demonstrations in Stockholm being permitted.
Iran has taken an even stronger stance, threatening a harsh punishment against the Quran desecrator. Ali Mohammadi-Sirat, the Supreme Leader's man in the IRGC's Quds Force — a special military unit responsible for operations outside Iran's borders — said the man who disrespected the Quran should fear for his life.
According to the exiled dissident news network Iran International, which now bases its operations in Washington, D.C., Mohammadi-Sirat called on Swedish authorities to hand over Momika, stressing that those who insult the Prophet Muhammad and the Quran should face execution.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei echoed the warning, demanding that Sweden hand over the Iraqi refugee.
"The insult to the #HolyQuran in #Sweden is a bitter, conspiratorial, dangerous event," Khamenei said in a social media post. "It is the opinion of all Islamic scholars that those who have insulted the Holy Quran deserve the severest punishment."
Iran International quoted Major Gen. Hossein Salami, the commander of the Revolutionary Guard, as saying that Iran "will not allow those who insult the Quran to have security."
"If someone wants to play with our Quran and religion, we will play with all his world," the opposition outlet quoted Salami as saying. "Sooner or later, the vengeful hand of the 'mujahids' will reach politicians and stage managers behind these sort of crimes, and we will render the highest punishment to the perpetrator."
- In:
- Iraq
- Iran
- islam
- Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
- Quran
- Sweden
- Protest
veryGood! (9)
Related
- What happens to Donald Trump’s criminal conviction? Here are a few ways it could go
- A board leader calls the new Wisconsin wolf plan key to removing federal protections for the animal
- Scottish officials approve UK’s first drug consumption room intended for safer use of illegal drugs
- Tech CEO killed in Baltimore remembered as dedicated, compassionate entrepreneur
- Song Jae-lim, Moon Embracing the Sun Actor, Dead at 39
- Travis Kelce Reveals Family's Reaction to Taylor Swift's Ballsy NFL Appearance
- Why Sharon Osbourne Warns Against Ozempic After She Lost 42 Pounds
- Stock market today: Asian shares mostly lower after Wall Street retreat deepens
- Wisconsin authorities believe kayaker staged his disappearance and fled to Europe
- 'We are just ecstatic': Man credits granddaughter for helping him win $2 million from scratch off game
Ranking
- Cavaliers' Darius Garland rediscovers joy for basketball under new coach
- Michigan fake elector defendants want case dropped due to attorney general’s comments
- Hyundai and Kia recall nearly 3.4 million vehicles due to fire risk and urge owners to park outdoors
- Former Tennessee lawmaker Brian Kelsey can stay out of prison while challenging sentencing
- UConn, Kansas State among five women's college basketball games to watch this weekend
- Harry Styles and Taylor Russell Give a Sign of the Times With Subtle PDA on London Outing
- Rece Davis addresses Ryan Day-Lou Holtz feud, says OSU coach 'really mad at Jim Harbaugh'
- The Mega Millions jackpot is up for grabs again, this time for $230M. See winning numbers
Recommendation
-
Teachers in 3 Massachusetts communities continue strike over pay, paid parental leave
-
Anti-vax pet parents put animals at risk, study shows. Why experts say you shouldn't skip your dog's shots.
-
2024 Republican candidates to meet in California for second debate
-
Lou Holtz stands by Ohio State comments after Ryan Day called him out: 'I don't feel bad'
-
It's about to be Red Cup Day at Starbucks. When is it and how to get the free coffee swag?
-
'David's got to have a Goliath': Deion Sanders, Colorado prepare for undefeated USC
-
Jimmy Carter’s 99th birthday celebration moved to Saturday to avoid federal shutdown threat
-
High school football coach resigns after team used 'Nazi' play call during game