Hundreds protest outside Swedish Consulate in Istanbul over Quran burning

Some 250 folks collect in Istanbul, holding flags and banners condemning “Sweden’s state-supported Islamophobia.”

Protesters also gathered outside the Swedish Embassy in Ankara for a second day and more protests are planned for Sunday evening. — Protesters additionally gathered exterior the Swedish Embassy in Ankara for a second day and extra protests are deliberate for Sunday night.
(AP)

Outrage over a Quran-burning incident in Sweden has ignited a second day of protests in Türkiye, reflecting a rising world condemnation towards anti-Muslim hatred whereas complicating the already tense diplomatic relations between the 2 nations.

Some 250 folks gathered exterior the Swedish Consulate in Istanbul on Sunday, holding flags and banners that mentioned “We condemn Sweden’s state-supported Islamophobia.”

Anti-Muslim activist Rasmus Paludan burned a duplicate of Islam’s holy guide exterior the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm on Saturday, sparking protests in Istanbul and Ankara that night time.

An indication on a window of the Swedish Consulate learn: “We do not share that book-burning idiot’s view.”

Mustafa Demircan, one of many protesters, mentioned the act of burning the Quran shouldn’t be thought-about an act protected by the fitting of free expression.

Also on Sunday, a bunch of younger folks visited church buildings within the central Artuklu district of Türkiye’s Mardin province, handing out roses to church officers and condemning the burning of the Quran.

Ibrahim Halil Yetim, a member of the group, who recorded their efforts on video, mentioned they determined to comply with the recommendation of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad and categorical their reactions to the incident in Sweden in a method befitting their faith.

“Islam is such a religion that it revives even those who come to kill you,” he mentioned.

Permission by Swedish authorities

Paludan, chief of the Danish far-right Stram Kurs (Hard Line), was granted permission by the Swedish authorities to burn a duplicate of the Islamic holy guide, the Quran, exterior the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm on Saturday.

In response, Ankara cancelled Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson’s upcoming go to to Türkiye.

On Sunday, Türkiye’s Armenian Patriarchate condemned the Quran burning incident, saying it “aroused deep indignation” in an announcement on social media.

The Patriarchate mentioned the “heinous act” not solely offended those that belong to the faith of Islam, but additionally aimed toward inciting hostilities amongst folks of various faiths.

“It is certain that this movement, which is incompatible with democracy, freedom, and human rights, will not be accepted by those who share these feelings,” it added.

The assertion underlined that the Turkish Armenian patriarch, Sahak Mashalian, particularly “regretfully condemned this outdated act,” together with the Spiritual Assembly of the Church, the clergy, basis boards, and the Turkish Armenian group.