CONDEMN QURAN BURNING RALLY – SWEDEN MUST ACT , MUSLIMS MUST RISE TO RESPOND

We condemn in the strongest term the burning of a Quran by members of Danish far-right party , Stram Kurs , in the Rosengard neighbourhood of Malmo, Sweden, on August 28, 2020.

The AFP reported that an anti-Muslim Danish politician was blocked from attending the Quran-burning rally.

The protesters burned a copy of the Islamic holy book, according to the police spokesman Rickard Lundqvist told Swedish tabloid Expressen.

The members of the Danish far-right party organized the anti-Muslim rally.

We condemn the party’s leader Rasmus Paludan, known for his anti-Muslim rhetoric, who was due to attend the rally. His hatred campaign must be rejected and stopped.

Though the authority’s quick action to arrest him near Malmo is commendable, however the situation is still highly sensitive as it is supported by a political figure from a party.

The Swedish government should not allow such dangerous behaviour of denigrating a religion by extremist groups.

We warn such action will trigger a wide response from Muslims globally.

His supporters who went ahead with the rally, shows that the adamant group will attempt to create more tension.

Paludan is trying to inflame religous clashes amongst community and intentionally initiate extreme show of hatred.

Paludan last year attracted media attention for burning a Quran wrapped in bacon.

We call for a strong response from all heads of religions in Europe to stop the anti religous campaign.

They must embrace inter religous harmony and not succumb to voices of intimidation. Democracy and freedom cannot be an excuse to accept such extremist action as it defeats that meaning of a civilized society.

Any act of such extreme hatred cannot be accepted and condoned.

Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid
President Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organizations ( MAPIM )