The Danish Foreign Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, spoke with Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf to address the controversies sparked by the publication of Quran burnings near the embassies of Muslim-majority nations in Copenhagen. Algerian officials characterized the incidents as injurious to the spirit of hospitality, openness, and tolerance that Danish society has long aspired to embody. The phone conversation centered on reaffirming Denmark’s commitment to respectful dialogue while recognizing the offense caused to Muslim communities around the world [Citation: Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement].
Rasmussen conveyed that the Danish government has pursued concrete changes to national legislation aimed at ending the practice of desecrating the holy book. The goal is to balance freedom of expression with protections for religious sentiments and public peace, reflecting a broader discussion within Danish governance about limits to symbolic acts that provoke interfaith tensions. The government’s outreach comes as part of a broader effort to clarify policy directions and prevent recurrence of such acts [Citation: Danish government communications].
In late July, members of the far-right Danish Patriots publicly burned a Quran in front of the embassies of several Muslim nations, including Algeria, an act that drew international condemnation and domestic debate about anti-Islamic provocation and the boundaries of free speech. The incident prompted security and diplomatic responses from several states and prompted discussions within Denmark about how to handle provocative demonstrations while safeguarding constitutional rights [Citation: multiple international news reports].
During a meeting with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amirabdollahian, Rasmussen also highlighted that burning sacred texts is harmful and does not help promote dialogue among faiths. He stressed that respectful relations between countries depend on restraint from actions that inflame religious sensitivities and threaten social cohesion within diverse societies. The dialogue underscored the importance of constructive engagement rather than provocative acts that can deepen divides [Citation: official statements and subsequent media coverage].
Earlier commentary from the Russian Foreign Ministry warned of potential serious consequences when religious texts are burned with impunity. The warning reflected a broader pattern of international concern over actions that provoke interethnic and interreligious tensions and threaten diplomatic stability. The message emphasized that such acts carry consequences beyond the immediate incident and can strain bilateral ties and regional security [Citation: Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs remarks].