CNN Indonesia
Friday, 25 Aug 2023 20:01 WIB
Denmark drafts law banning burning of Korans and other holy books Photo: Ritzau Scanpix/Olafur Steinar Gestsson via REUTERS
Jakarta, CNNIndonesia —
Denmark currently working on a bill to ban burning Al Quranafter a series of acts of desecration of the holy book of Muslims in the country recently.
“The Danish government intends to criminalize the improper treatment of religious objects that are important to the religious community,” Denmark’s Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard was quoted as saying. AFP.
Hummelgaard said the bill was aimed primarily at arson or desecration in public places.
Apart from the Koran, the law also applies to desecration of the Bible, Torah and other religious symbols. Violators will be charged with up to two years in prison and a fine.
But the law would not cover “verbal or written expressions” offensive to religious communities, including caricatures.
“The burning of the Koran is an act that is fundamentally insulting and unsympathetic, which is detrimental to Denmark and its interests,” he said.
Once passed, the new law will be included in Chapter 12 of the Danish penal code, which covers national security. According to him, national security is the main basis for proposing this bill.
He stressed Denmark remained firmly committed to the freedom of expression law, amid criticism from some opposition parties who feared the ban would violate the law.
Sweden and Denmark stepped up border controls since early August, in response to a series of Koran burnings. Denmark ended the policy on August 22, although it remains in force in Sweden.
(dna)
2023-08-25 13:01:19
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