A devastating fire, strongly suspected to be an act of arson, has left a mosque in ruins in the Arby district of Eskilstuna, south-eastern Sweden. This incident has raised serious concerns about the safety and security of religious institutions in the country.
The fire that engulfed the mosque is believed to be a deliberate act of arson. Anas Deneche, the mosque’s Communication Director, confirmed this in an interview with public broadcaster SR, stating, “We are sure that this was an arson attack.” Local police records support these claims, showing a history of threats and attacks against the mosque.
The fire has rendered the mosque completely unusable, with the main building suffering extensive damage. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, as no one was inside the mosque when the blaze erupted.
This incident has further exacerbated concerns about the rise in violent Islamophobic acts in Sweden. The country is home to more than 600,000 Muslims, and recent events, including the desecration of the Quran in front of mosques and Islamic embassies, have sparked widespread anger in the Islamic world. Some countries, such as Morocco, have officially voiced their objections by summoning Swedish diplomats in the past.
Internationally, this issue has garnered attention, leading to the United Nations adopting a resolution condemning all acts of violence targeting holy books as a violation of international law. The incident in Eskilstuna serves as a stark reminder of the importance of combating hate crimes and promoting religious tolerance and coexistence.
