Iraqi refugee Salwan Momika, 37, stomped on the holy book outside a mosque in Stockholm on Wednesday while Muslims were celebrating Eid al-Adha around the world. The action has been condemned by many Islamic countries. The Iraqi government has summoned the Swedish ambassador and demanded Momika’s extradition.
“We condemn the burning of the Holy Quran. This is an unacceptable act which will cause the spread of hatred and threaten coexistence and peace,” read a statement from the Region’s presidency.
It added that all religions and their followers should be respected and “no one should be allowed to exploit freedom to disrespect the sacredness of religions."
PM Barzani also condemned the act, saying the holy books of religions should be respected.
Dozens of supporters of the Iraqi top Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr on Thursday breached the Swedish embassy, demonstrating inside the courtyard of the mission after Sadr called for a large demonstration to condemn the Quran burning in front of a mosque in Stockholm on Wednesday - the first day of the Islamic Eid al-Adha. No damage to the embassy building and no harm to its staff have been reported.
The Iraqi government, judiciary, presidency and foreign ministry have condemned the burning of the Quran.
The act has also been condemned globally, with Washington saying it condemns the act and is “concerned” by it.
