- By Imran Zafar
- Tue, 04 Feb 2025 11:30 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Far-right Danish politician Rasmus Paludan set fire to the Holy Quran outside the Turkish Embassy in Copenhagen on February 1, claiming it was a tribute to slain Iraqi refugee Salwan Momika. The act, captured in a viral video, has reignited tensions over free speech and religious sensitivities in Europe.
Paludan, known for his controversial demonstrations, stated in the video that he was burning the Quran to honour Momika’s “sacrifice” and criticism of Islam. He also criticised Copenhagen police for attempting to ban his protests, suggesting he had circumvented the restrictions. Observers believe the risk to Paludan’s life has increased significantly following Momika’s killing.
Salwan Momika was shot dead on January 30, the same day he was to receive a verdict in a hate speech case. No suspects have been charged, though five people were detained and later released. Sweden’s prime minister has suggested that a foreign state might have been involved in the killing.
Who Is Rasmus Paludan?
Rasmus Paludan, founder of the far-right Danish party Stram Kurs, is notorious for his extremist views, including calls to ban Islam and deport non-Western immigrants. Widely regarded as a right-wing extremist, he has staged provocative anti-Islam demonstrations, often in Muslim-majority areas.
Paludan has made inflammatory remarks about the Quran, referring to it in derogatory terms and engaging in public desecration by burning, spitting on and encouraging others to urinate on it. His actions have drawn widespread condemnation.
He has gained attention through videos of his protests, which he shares online. His activities have sparked tensions, leading to criticism from political and religious groups both in Denmark and internationally.
Legal Action On Quran Burnings
A Swedish court recently convicted another anti-Islam campaigner, Salwan Najem, of hate crimes for Quran burnings and derogatory comments about Muslims. He was handed a suspended sentence and fined 4,000 crowns (USD 358).
The court ruled that while the Quran itself does not have special legal protection, Najem’s actions specifically targeted Muslims as an ethnic group.
Paludan’s Quran burning has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from Iranian media, which condemned his actions. The broader debate over Quran desecrations continues to strain relations between Sweden, its Nordic neighbours and Muslim-majority countries, as governments consider tighter regulations on such acts.