Iraqi Security Forces Disperse Protesters Reacting to Qur’an Desecration Reports
In a show of solidarity against the desecration of the Qur’an, about 1,000 supporters of Shiite Muslim cleric Moqtada Sadr attempted to march to Baghdad’s Green Zone, which houses foreign embassies. This comes after reports of an apparent desecration of the Muslim holy book for the third time in a month, with the first two incidents occurring in Sweden and causing diplomatic tensions.
The extreme right group Danske Patrioter posted a video on its Facebook page showing a man burning what appeared to be a Qur’an and trampling an Iraqi flag. Copenhagen police confirmed that a book was burnt, but they were unsure of its identity. The protest outside the Iraqi embassy in Copenhagen was described as peaceful, with only a handful of protesters present.
Moqtada Sadr, who has a significant following among Iraq’s majority Shiite population and holds considerable influence over national politics, has called for action following the Qur’an desecrations in Sweden. His supporters gathered in Tahrir Square in central Baghdad, carrying portraits of Sadr and chanting in support of the Qur’an.
To prevent the protesters from reaching the Green Zone, security forces cut off two bridges leading to the area. Although the demonstrators tried to force their way through, they eventually dispersed after several hours of scuffles. Some managed to break into the Green Zone and attempted to reach the Danish embassy before being repelled by officers using batons and tear gas.
This incident follows the storming and torching of Sweden’s embassy in Baghdad by hundreds of Sadr supporters earlier in the week. The attack was in response to a planned burning of the Qur’an in Sweden, which had been permitted on free speech grounds. The actions of Salwan Momika, an Iraqi refugee based in Sweden, triggered condemnation across the Muslim world. Iraq condemned the attack on the embassy and expelled Sweden’s ambassador.
In a vague tweet, Moqtada Sadr stated that “words are no longer enough” in defending religion. This statement suggests that he is indirectly challenging his rivals through the embassy attack, aiming to demonstrate his force and question their credibility among the international community.
The desecration of the Qur’an has sparked protests not only in Iraq but also in Tehran and Lebanon. The United Arab Emirates summoned Sweden’s charge d’affaires to protest against the repeated attacks on copies of the holy book committed by extremists in Sweden. Iran, meanwhile, declared that it would not allow a new Swedish ambassador into the country. Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called Momika’s protest in Sweden “dangerous” and called for him to stand trial in an Islamic country.
In response to the incident in Copenhagen, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman emphasized the Danish government’s responsibility to prevent insults to the Qur’an and Islamic sanctities. He also called for the prosecution and punishment of those who insult them.
The Iraqi foreign ministry condemned the desecration of the Qur’an and the Iraqi flag in front of the embassy in Denmark, stating that such actions provoke reactions and put all parties in delicate situations. The ministry reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which guarantees the protection and security of diplomatic teams.
The desecration of religious texts is a sensitive issue that can have far-reaching consequences. It is crucial for governments to address these incidents promptly and take appropriate action to prevent further escalation. The international community must also condemn such acts and work together to promote tolerance and respect for all religions.