AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): A group of anti-Muslim extremists staged a provocative act of Quran desecration in Denmark's capital Copenhagen on Friday, sparking outrage among Muslims who urged the authorities to prevent such hateful acts from repeating.
The group, which calls itself "Danske Patrioter" (Danish Patriots), burned the holy book in front of Iraq's Embassy in Copenhagen under police protection, as seen in the videos they shared on social media.
They also carried a banner with insulting slogans against Islam, before stamping on the Iraqi flag and a copy of the Quran.
The group said they did this to "protest" the attack against Sweden's Embassy in Baghdad, which was stormed by angry protesters on Wednesday night in response to another incident of Quran burning by an Iraqi migrant in Stockholm.
According to their website, the group is a nationalist movement that opposes immigration, Islam, and globalism.
This is not the first time that the group has targeted Muslim symbols and sanctities. In January, they attacked the Turkish flag and the Quran in front of the Turkish embassy in Copenhagen.
Muslims in Denmark condemned the latest attack and called for legal action against the perpetrators.
"We are deeply saddened and disturbed by this act of hatred and disrespect towards our religion and our holy book," said Ahmed Al-Husseini, a spokesman for the Islamic Society of Denmark.
He said that such acts only fuel hatred and division in the society, and urged the Danish government to take measures to protect the Muslim minority and their places of worship.
"We appeal to the authorities to ensure that such acts are not repeated and that those who commit them are held accountable," he said.
He also called on the Muslim community to remain calm and peaceful, and not to fall into the trap of violence and extremism.
"We have to respond with wisdom and patience, and show that we are better than those who hate us," he said.
The Iraqi embassy also issued a statement denouncing the attack.
"The embassy condemns this heinous act that offends the feelings of millions of Muslims around the world, and calls for respect for religious diversity and coexistence among all people," the statement said.
The Quran burning incidents in Denmark and Sweden have also drawn criticism from other countries and organizations.
The Arab League, Turkey, Pakistan, Iran and several Muslim groups have condemned the attacks and called for respect for religious freedom and tolerance.
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