NordenBladet – Sweden is a country that values freedom of speech as one of its fundamental principles. This is why Stockholm cannot ban the burning of the Koran, even though state leaders personally disapprove of it, as stated by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. This article will explore the burning of the Koran in Stockholm and the stance of the Swedish government on the matter.
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Recently, Rasmus Paludan, a far-right Danish-Swedish politician, burned the Koran during a demonstration held at the Turkish embassy in Stockholm. The act of burning the Koran is considered disrespectful and unacceptable by many, but the Swedish government is unable to ban it due to the principle of freedom of speech.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated that “we have complete freedom of speech in Sweden, which also applies to the burning of holy books. Everything that is permitted by law, in my opinion, is not respectable and appropriate.” He also expressed that he shared this view with the US State Department, the Secretary General of NATO, and the Finnish government.
Kristersson emphasized that while the burning of the Koran may be considered disrespectful, it is still a legal act in Sweden. He also stated that it is important for society to respect each other’s beliefs and opinions, even if they may not agree with them. He also added that it is legitimate to be against Sweden’s NATO ambitions and to be critical of those who are currently doing everything possible to sabotage the joint NATO talks between Sweden and Finland. He also said that his position is exactly the same as Finland, the US and NATO.
In conclusion, the burning of the Koran in Stockholm, although considered disrespectful and unacceptable by many, is a legal act in Sweden due to the principle of freedom of speech. The Swedish government, represented by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, has stated that it shares this view with other countries and organizations such as the US State Department, the Secretary General of NATO, and the Finnish government. Despite this, the government also emphasizes the importance of respecting each other’s beliefs and opinions.
Photo: In Sweden, freedom of speech is a fundamental principle. This is the position of the Swedish government, as stated by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. The government encourages respect for different beliefs and opinions. (NordenBladet)