Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia condemn Denmark for allowing Quran desecration

Many Muslim countries have protested at insults to the Quran this week in Sweden and Denmark. (Photo/AFP)

Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia have warned against frequent desecration of Quran in Denmark, demanding Copenhagen take measures to prevent disrespect to the Muslims' holy book.

Jordan on Saturday strongly condemned the desecration of the holy Quran in Denmark capital by an extremist group, calling it "a manifestation of Islamophobia."

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry strongly condemned irresponsible actions that incite motions among Muslims, promote hatred, and jeopardise peaceful coexistence.

It emphasised that these acts reflect Islamophobia, encouraging violence and disrespect towards religions, and urged the international community to respond with action.

The ministry also called for the enactment of laws criminalising the desecration of symbols and values considered sacred in religion, as well as the promotion of a culture of peace and "acceptance of others," and also the prevention of extremism and fanaticism.

Meanwhile, Oman also condemned the burning of a copy of the holy Quran in the Danish capital by an extremist group, stating that such actions incite violence and hatred.

In a statement, Oman urged the international community to "consider such actions that insult religions and beliefs, incite animosity and hatred" as a crime.

Criminalise burning of Quran

Separately, Saudi Arabia condemned the burning of a copy of the holy Quran in Denmark and demanded Danish government take measures to prevent disrespect to the Muslims' holy book.

Saudi Arabia, according to the Foreign Ministry, strongly condemns any action that incites violence and hatred among religions.

It also warned against repeating such violations that incite Muslim sentiment.

On July 21, members of the Islamophobic and far-right group called "Danske Patrioter [Danish Patriots]" burned a copy of the Quran in front of Iraq's Embassy in Copenhagen.

They displayed anti-Islamic banners and shouted insulting slogans while disrespectfully handling the Iraqi flag and the Quran.

The event was livestreamed on the Facebook platform of the group. The video shows the holy book burning in a tin foil tray next to the Iraqi flag on the ground, with two onlookers standing and talking next to it.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen condemned it as an act of "stupidity" by a few individuals, telling national broadcaster DR: "It is a disgraceful act to insult the religion of others".

"This applies to the burning of Qurans and other religious symbols. It has no other purpose than to provoke and create division," he said.

He noted however that burning religious books was not a crime in Denmark.

Many Muslim countries have protested at insults to the Quran this week in Sweden and Denmark.

"Book burning in Europe is reminiscent of the dark ages of ignorance... Silence in the face of such a heinous cultural crime will only lead to violence and promotion of terrorism," Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday.

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Source: TRT