Türkiye cancels Swedish Defence Minister’s visit in wake of Quran burning in front of its embassy

Türkiye cancelled Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson’s visit that was planned on January 27 in response to Sweden’s permission for Quran burning in front of the Turkish embassy building in Stockholm.

The visit of the Swedish defence minister to Türkiye has become meaningless after Sweden’s permission to burn Quran in Stockholm, said Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar in a statement.

On the other hand, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu urges Swedish authorities not to allow protest that includes burning the Holy Quran.

Hate crime is not freedom of speech, and we hope Swedish authorities will act to restrict protests to burn the Islamic holy book Quran, the Turkish Foreign Minister said.

Türkiye reacts strongly to the Islamophobia, racist and discriminatory movements in Europe

Permitting the anti-Islam act under the guise of “freedom of expression” is totally unacceptable, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said, adding “it is yet another example of alarming level that Islamophobia, racist and discriminatory movements have reached in Europe”

“This despicable act is yet another example of the alarming level of Islamophobia, racism and discriminatory movements in Europe,” the ministry added.

“We call on Swedish authorities to take necessary measures against perpetrators,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said.

Anti-Islam sentiments are high in Europe as the far-right leader Rasmus Paludan was permitted to burn Quran in Sweden by the authorities.

Rasmus Paludan, leader of the Danish far-right party Stram Kurs (Hard Line), burns Quran in front of Turkish embassy in Stockholm pic.twitter.com/1rKamMJYuQ

— TRT World (@trtworld) January 21, 2023