The authorities in Sweden have reportedly granted permission for yet another protest involving the burning of the Quran, the Muslim holy book.
Police in Malmo, southern Sweden, issued the permit for the controversial protest to be held at the city’s Gustavs Adolfs Torg public square on Friday, as reported by national broadcaster SVT Nyheter on Thursday.
However, authorities are still deliberating on two additional applications for similar protests scheduled for this week—one in central Malmo on Saturday and another in Rosengard on Sunday.
The series of Quran-burning protests in Sweden have led to strained diplomatic relations between Stockholm and several countries.
The Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has urged member states to take political and economic measures against Sweden, Denmark, and other nations permitting the burning and desecration of the Muslim holy book.
Such protests, purportedly under the guise of free speech, have incited angry demonstrations and attacks on diplomatic missions in Muslim-majority countries.
In response, Denmark enacted legislation last December prohibiting the burning of Quran copies in public spaces.
Sweden is also exploring legal avenues that would empower the police to prohibit similar protests due to national security concerns.
The OIC has emphasised the necessity of halting acts categorised as “aggression that spreads hatred and contempt for religions and threatens global peace, security, and harmony.”
Friday’s contentious protest occurs amid preparations for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo. Malmo Police Chief Petra Stenkula highlighted the need for precautionary measures to handle any serious incidents during Eurovision.
Security measures have intensified with Israel’s participation in the contest despite calls for its ban over the Gaza conflict, which has claimed numerous Palestinian lives and caused widespread devastation.
The Swedish authorities have requested additional security measures, including armed police and reinforcements from Denmark and Norway.
Over 20,000 individuals from various European nations are expected to gather in Malmo to protest Israel’s participation in the song contest, slated to begin on May 7.
Malmo, Sweden’s third-largest city, is home to a diverse population of over 360,000, representing 186 different nationalities, including a sizable Muslim community.
In 2022, the city witnessed significant demonstrations and unrest following a Quran-burning protest led by Swedish-Danish far-right politician Rasmus Paludan.
