British Government has reacted to the burning and desecration of the Qur’an in Stockholm, the Sweden’s capital, describing it as being deeply insultive to Muslims around the world and completely inappropriate.
The UK govt through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Spokesperson in a statement released on Friday, denounced hatred on the basis of religion or belief.
Added that, “We will defend freedom of religion or belief for all, promote mutual respect. We recognise the deep suffering experienced by Muslims around the world caused by the burning of the Qur’an”.
Report has it that protesters stormed and set fire to Sweden’s embassy in the Iraqi capital Baghdad early hours of Thursday, ahead of a planned burning of a Koran in Sweden.
Videos shared on social media showed the embassy in flames and protesters waving flags and holding copies of the Koran in the air while climbing over a fence into the compound.
The protest comes after police in Sweden reportedly granted an application for a demonstration to be held on Thursday outside the Iraqi embassy in Stockholm during which two demonstrators planned to burn a copy of the Qur’an and the Iraq flag.
The UK govt who strongly condemns the attacks on the Swedish Embassy in Baghdad, said violence against diplomatic missions is unacceptable in any circumstances.
According to the statement released on Thursday, “Governments have a responsibility to protect diplomatic missions under Vienna Convention.
“And it is unacceptable that the Iraqi Security Forces did not act to prevent last night’s breach of an Embassy. We welcome the Iraqi Government’s intention to prosecute those responsible”, UK govt said.