– Let me put it this way: In relation to Norwegian law, it is probably the case that, according to freedom of expression, it is not an explicit violation of the law to burn a flag or a sacred text. But I strongly distance myself from it. I see it as a hate crime whether it happens in Norway or other countries, Støre said at today’s half-yearly press conference.
The statement has attracted a lot of criticism and wonder, because hate crime is a section of the Criminal Code. And neither the burning of holy books nor flags is affected by the law today.
Tonight, Støre will go out and clarify the statement.
– Let me be absolutely clear that I and the government protect freedom of expression. It is absolutely basic. So I believe, even if it is legal, that burning the Koran is a hateful act, which I personally distance myself from, writes Støre in a text message to Dagbladet.
Støre emphasizes that he never meant to talk about what is or is not the law under the Criminal Code.
– I see that the word hate crime has an important legal meaning, so I am clarifying this now. Irrespective of that, I think it is very unfortunate that the process of getting Sweden into NATO is being coached. They should have been members already, writes Støre.
It has been very tense today in the Middle East after the Koran was burned outside the mosque at Medborgarplatsen in Stockholm. The demonstration was approved in advance by the police.
Strong Sweden protests
Several countries have condemned the burning of the Koran. Earlier on Thursday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he strongly condemns it, and Morocco has recalled its ambassador from Sweden in protest.
The Swedish ambassadors in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates have both been summoned to the carpet. Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Syria have also condemned the burning of the Koran.
A few dozen protesters entered the Swedish embassy in Baghdad on Thursday after Wednesday’s Koran burning in Stockholm, writes NTB.
The protesters stayed in the embassy for around fifteen minutes before security forces arrived, according to AFP. No one was injured.
2023-06-29 17:31:05
#Clarifies #Quranic #statement
