Iraqi security forces stand guard outside the Swedish embassy in Iraq during protests following the burning of a copy of the Koran in Sweden, January 23, 2023. DPA via Europa Press | EUROPAPRESS
The Swedish government described the attack as “unacceptable” and summoned Iraq’s top diplomat in Sweden
A group of protesters set fire to the Swedish embassy in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad in the early hours of Thursday morning, following a week of demonstrations against the burning of copies of the Koran in the European country.
According to reports on social networks, protesters entered the Green Zone of the Iraqi capital, the embassy sector and torches were thrown into the Swedish embassyin response to the burning of a Muslim holy book by radical elements in Stockholm in late June.
The Swedish authorities have issued a new permit for today, in which it is planned to burn the Koran again in front of the Iraqi embassy. Local police had to resort to using water blasts to control groups of people who surrounded the embassy in Baghdad.
For its part, the press service of the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured the newspaper aftonbladet that embassy staff are safe.
The Government of Sweden, moreover, described as «unacceptable» attack on his embassy in Iraq. “Attacks on the Swedish embassy in Iraq are completely unacceptable. This is the second time in a short time that this has happened. Iraq has a responsibility to protect the Swedish embassy in Baghdad. Today, the government will invite the chief Iraqi diplomat in Sweden,” said Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström in a statement.
Threats of severing diplomatic relations
The Iraqi government has warned it will cut diplomatic ties with Sweden “if the Koran is burned again on its territory”, although it has said it will punish those responsible for the embassy fire.
“The Iraqi government confirms that it informed the Swedish government through diplomatic channels yesterday that it will cut off diplomatic relations with Sweden in case the incident of burning the Noble Qur’an is repeated on their land,” the Iraqi government said after a meeting on Thursday.
He also condemned that “permissions (for burning the Qur’an) under the pretext of freedom of expression“, which he assessed as “provocative actions that offend international pacts and norms of respect for religions and beliefs”, and “represent a threat to peace and encourage a culture of violence and hatred”.
Source: La Vozde Galicia
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
