The Foreign Affairs Committee of the Egyptian House of Representatives convened a meeting today to discuss the incident of burning a copy of the Holy Quran in Stockholm, Sweden. This meeting was attended by Ambassador Ihab Nasr, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for European Affairs.
Ambassador Ihab Nasr detailed the actions taken by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry in response to an extremist burning a copy of the Holy Quran in the Swedish capital, Stockholm, on the first day of the past Eid al-Adha.
Nasr stated that Egypt condemned the burning of the Holy Quran in Sweden, expressing its intense indignation at the extremist’s actions in the Swedish capital, Stockholm.
He explained that the Egyptian Foreign Ministry views this incident as a disgraceful act that provokes the feelings of Muslims worldwide on the first day of the blessed Eid al-Adha. It contradicts the values of respecting others and their sanctities, stokes sentiments of hatred among peoples, and has raised deep concerns about the recurring incidents of burning the Holy Quran, the escalating phenomenon of Islamophobia, and recent crimes of religious contempt in some European countries. The ministry fully rejects all odious practices that violate the principles and religious beliefs of Muslims.
Ambassador Ihab Nasr, the Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs, affirmed that Egypt officially expressed its dismay over these acts to Sweden and is following the investigation into this matter. He highlighted Egypt’s emphasis on the responsibility of states to prevent incitement and hate crimes and halt practices that undermine the security and stability of societies. He stressed the importance of promoting shared values of tolerance, acceptance of the other, and peaceful coexistence among peoples.
Ambassador Ihab Nasr said, “We are following the investigations of the Swedish police regarding this incident, noting that official statements issued by the Swedish Foreign Ministry condemned the incident.” In an official statement, the Swedish government fully understands that the anti-Islamic acts committed by individuals during demonstrations in Sweden can be offensive to Muslims, and we strongly condemn these acts, which in no way reflect the views of the Swedish government.
Nasr pointed out that the Swedish Justice Minister, Gunar Stromer, stated that the Swedish government is studying the possibility of changing the law to prevent individuals from burning the Quran in public places, in light of the damage caused by similar incidents recently on Sweden’s security.
Ambassador Ihab Nasr, the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for European Affairs, clarified that Egypt denounces the burning of any holy book and considers it a violation of freedom of expression and an infringement of others’ rights. He added, “We have informed Sweden that Egypt condemns this matter, whether it be the Quran or any other books, including the Bible or any other holy books because it is considered a violation of others’ rights.”
