Why Denmark Wants To Stop The Burning Of Quran By Radicals

The Danish government is introducing legislation to address a crisis with Muslim countries and counter an escalating terrorist threat against the nation, as reported by the Financial Times.

Under these new plans, individuals found burning the Quran or other religious texts in public spaces could face imprisonment for up to two years. This move by the centrist coalition aims to curb what they term "inappropriate treatment of objects with significant religious significance."

The Danish Justice Minister, Peter Hummelgaard, announced this initiative, acknowledging that such acts of desecration, often involving the burning of the Quran, Torah, and Bible near foreign embassies, have sparked outrage and diplomatic tensions.

Hummelgaard highlighted the intention behind these actions, stating, "These are meaningless insults that have no other purpose than to create discord and hatred."

He underlined the detrimental effects of such actions on Denmark's reputation, interests, and the security of its citizens abroad. While the maximum penalty for this offense is a two-year prison term, first-time offenders are more likely to receive fines, while repeat offenders could face short prison sentences.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, which represents 57 Muslim countries, has called on both Denmark and Sweden to take decisive measures against the burnings. While concerns have been raised by free speech advocates about potential future pressure, the governments are urged to resist compromising their values. The opposition party, Liberal Alliance, expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed ban on social media, viewing it as a victory for extremist groups.

Rasmus Paludan, a Danish radical who has engaged in burnings, has indicated his intention to circumvent any ban. Sweden, also grappling with this issue, fears that addressing the burnings might impact its NATO membership bid due to objections from Turkey. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson acknowledged heightened security concerns, labeling the situation the country's most challenging in decades.

Justice Minister Hummelgaard clarified that satirical drawings would not fall under the ban, and the protection of broad free speech would persist. However, he acknowledged that the courts would ultimately determine the boundaries of "inappropriate treatment," which might encompass acts like burning, soiling, or trampling on objects.

Hummelgaard emphasised, "It’s not about not being allowed to say or think what you want. But I fundamentally believe that there are more civilised ways of expressing one’s position than burning things."

Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen noted a significant rise in demonstrations, with approximately 170 occurrences recently, many involving the burnings in front of Muslim countries' embassies. Rasmussen expressed concern that these acts hindered political alliances and fostered divisions at a time when unity was crucial.