Stockholm authorities permitted a public gathering where holy texts were to be burned near the Israeli Embassy on July 15. Swedish media covered the event, noting that the plan included desecrating both the Torah and the Bible in a location of symbolic importance.
The incident prompted a clear statement from Israel, with the country’s ambassador to Sweden describing the proposed act as a provocation. The ambassador urged Swedish authorities to take steps to prevent hate acts and highlighted heightened attention from Israeli media outlets.
Officials emphasized that demonstrations of any kind require prior permission from the police and that burning sacred books falls outside what the police authorize. The episode sparked discussions about the balance between freedom of expression and actions that may incite hatred or threaten public safety.
Initial reports indicated that a 30-year-old man submitted an application to hold the event, characterizing it as a symbolic expression in support of freedom of expression. Observers noted that such actions often ignite strong emotional responses both locally and globally.
Previously, in January, a different incident drew international attention when a Danish political activist burned the Quran near the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm. That action coincided with coordination with local municipal authorities, underscoring the sensitivity and political tension surrounding demonstrations of religious symbolism in the city.
Global reactions to Quran burnings have spanned multiple governments and ministries. The Russian Foreign Ministry has warned that such acts risk serious consequences and foreign policy repercussions, reflecting the wider diplomatic fallout that can accompany provocative acts against religious texts.