Paludan had been given permission to carry out the protest, which weighed heavily on the Turks. The Foreign Ministry in Ankara said on Saturday that it hoped Swedish authorities would put an end to the burning of the Muslim holy text.
The burning received limited attention, and a person present points out opposite The Express that there are more press people than counter-demonstrators there.
Saturday’s action is also considered to be the main reason why Turkey has canceled the Swedish defense minister’s visit to Ankara next Friday.
This is the second meeting at a high political level that has been canceled in a short time. The previous cancellation came after a doll of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was hung outside Stockholm’s City Hall.
A group from the Union of Turkish Democrats also demonstrated outside the embassy on Saturday, but was there to support Erdogan.
Turkey has so far refused to approve Sweden’s NATO application, but has instead set several conditions. Among other things, they want a number of people extradited. All NATO countries must approve new members.
A third demonstration in Stockholm on Sunday is expected to draw 500-600 people. They will show their support for the Kurds and demonstrate against Sweden’s desire to join NATO.
