Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Denmark set to ban Qu’ran burnings

The Danish government intends to “criminalise the improper treatment of objects of significant religious importance to a religious community,” justice minister Peter Hummelgaard said

Denmark set to ban Qu’ran burnings

Denmark announced on Friday (25), its intention to ban Qu’ran burnings in response to a series of incidents involving the desecration of Islam's sacred text within the Scandinavian country.

These actions had provoked outrage in various Muslim countries. In the wake of this backlash, Denmark heightened its security measures earlier this month.


Neighbouring Sweden also took similar precautions due to a surge of Qu’ran burnings that had occurred in recent months.

The Danish government intends to "criminalise the improper treatment of objects of significant religious importance to a religious community," justice minister Peter Hummelgaard told reporters.

He said the proposed legislation was aimed especially at burnings and desecrations in public places.

Hummelgaard said Qu’ran burnings were a "fundamentally contemptuous and unsympathetic act" that "harm Denmark and its interests".

The new legislation would be included in chapter 12 of Denmark's penal code, which covers national security.

Hummelgaard said that national security was the main "motivation" for the ban.

Nearly a thousand protesters attempted to march to the Danish embassy in Baghdad's fortified Green Zone in late July, following a call by firebrand cleric Moqtada Sadr.

"We can't continue to stand by with our arms crossed while several individuals do everything they can to provoke violent reactions," Hummelgaard said.

Sweden and Denmark beefed up border controls in early August as a result of the reactions. Denmark ended the measure on August 22, though they remain in place in Sweden.

The proposed Danish legislation would also apply to desecrations of the Bible, the Torah or, for example, a crucifix.

Those who break the law risk a fine or up to two years in prison.

The law will however not encompass "verbal or written expressions" offensive to religious communities, including caricatures, the justice minister said.

He stressed Denmark remained firmly committed to its freedom of expression laws, amid criticism from several opposition parties who fear a ban would infringe on those.

- 'Enormous anger' –

The ban, due to be presented to parliament on September 1, comes six years after Denmark abolished its 334-year-old blasphemy law.

The bill is expected to pass through parliament, where the left-right government holds a majority.

Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said Friday (25) the Qu’ran burnings had sparked "enormous anger in the entire world."

"We have made great efforts to contain this anger. At the moment the situation is fairly calm, but it's also uncertain and unpredictable," he told reporters.

He said that in the "short term, we'll probably see more Qu’ran burnings rather than less" before the new law goes into force.

In 2006, a wave of anti-Danish anger and violence erupted in the Muslim world following the publication of caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed.

Sweden last week heightened its terror alert level to grade four on a scale of five after the Qu’ran burnings made the country a "prioritised target", security services said.

The Swedish government has condemned the desecrations of the Qu’ran while upholding the country's constitutionally protected freedom of speech and assembly laws.

It has vowed to explore legal means of stopping protests involving the burning of holy texts in certain circumstances.

(AFP)

More For You

Rain Returns to the UK: What Today’s Unsettled Weather Means

Expect intermittent rainfall and breezy conditions

iStock

Unsettled UK weather today as rain returns after dry spell

The weather today across the UK is set to be changeable, marking a shift from the warm and dry conditions experienced in recent weeks. Forecasters are predicting a mix of sunshine, showers, and cooler temperatures as low-pressure systems move in from the west.

The Met Office says much of the country can expect intermittent rainfall and breezy conditions throughout the day, particularly in the west. Temperatures are expected to hover around the seasonal norm, between 14°C and 18°C.

Keep ReadingShow less
Historic Indian restaurant Veeraswamy on Regent Street  battles eviction

A file picture from November 11, 1980, of guests at Veeraswamy

Historic Indian restaurant Veeraswamy on Regent Street  battles eviction

ONE of Britain’s oldest Indian restaurants, Veeraswamy, is fighting to keep its central London location on Regent Street as its lease nears its end.

The Crown Estate, which owns Victory House where the Michelin-star restaurant has operated for nearly 100 years since April 1926, has decided not to renew the lease. They plan to carry out a complete refurbishment of the building.

Keep ReadingShow less
Pope Francis

Pope Francis will be remembered for his commitment

Getty

BAPS' Mahant Swami Maharaj offers condolences on the passing of Pope Francis

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj has offered condolences following the passing of Pope Francis, expressing solidarity with the Catholic community around the world.

In a letter addressed to members of the Roman Catholic Church, Mahant Swami Maharaj conveyed heartfelt prayers on behalf of the global BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu fellowship. The letter described the late pontiff as “a beacon of hope, compassion, and unity” and highlighted his efforts in promoting social justice, environmental stewardship, and interfaith harmony.

Keep ReadingShow less
modi vance

Modi and Vance also reviewed the progress made since Modi met president Donald Trump in Washington in February. (Photo: X/@narendramodi)

narendramodi

Modi, Vance say progress made on India-US trade talks

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi and US vice president JD Vance discussed the progress of trade talks between the two countries during a meeting in New Delhi on Monday, their offices said. The meeting comes as India seeks to avoid US tariffs and continue dialogue with the Trump administration.

Vance is in India on a four-day visit with his family. US officials said the visit is largely personal and includes a trip to the Taj Mahal and a speech in Jaipur.

Keep ReadingShow less
As Lisa Nandy heads to India, British Council champions diversity and dialogue
Lisa Nandy

As Lisa Nandy heads to India, British Council champions diversity and dialogue

AHEAD of Lisa Nandy’s forthcoming visit to India, her first overseas trip as secretary of state for culture, media and sport, the British Council has told Eastern Eye this government organisation is intent on projecting a positive and progressive image of Britain in its dealings with Indian partners.

“We need to shine a light on how multicultural Britain has become,” Dr Debanjan Chakrabarti, British Council director for east and northeast India, told Eastern Eye at his office in Kolkata.

Keep ReadingShow less