[ad_1]
Tensions between Sweden and Sweden turkey Shares soared as both countries became embroiled in a diplomatic clash that led to a series of demonstrations and protests. In the latest development, anger erupted in Turkey after Danish activist Rasmus Paludan set fire to Islam’s holy book, the Qur’an, outside the Turkish embassy in Stockholm on Jan. 21. People in Ankara and Istanbul began protesting the act, denouncing Sweden as “state-sponsored Islamophobia”.
watch| Turkey blocks Finland, Sweden’s bid for NATO again; Putin’s allies demand 130 terrorists
Earlier, Turkey canceled a planned visit by Swedish Defense Minister Par Jonsson to Ankara after tensions between the two countries escalated following the Koran burning incident. Turkey believes it is the Swedish authorities’ responsibility to allow the protests to take place in Stallholm.
On January 22, protesters in Turkey carried green flags declaring their faith that read “We condemn state-sponsored Islamophobia in Sweden.” However, a window of the Swedish consulate in Ankara read: “We disagree with the book-burning idiot”.
The friction between the two countries stems from Turkey blocking applications from Sweden and Finland to join the NATO alliance. Both Scandinavian countries applied to join the alliance after Russia attacked Ukraine. Turkey, already a NATO member, has used its powers to put the application on hold under certain conditions – expelling critics of its president Recep Tayyip Erdogan and calling the Kurds terrorists. Recent protests may have narrowed the application’s chances of being approved.
Demonstrators in Sweden voiced their dissent by hanging a portrait of the Turkish president. Surrounded by police, Paludan lit the holy book with a lighter, and then delivered a tirade of invective for nearly an hour, attacking Islam and Swedish immigrants. About 100 people gathered nearby for a peaceful counter-demonstration.
read| NATO nations discuss defense spending targets: Chief Jens Stoltenberg
Another protest in support of the Kurds and against Sweden’s NATO membership was also held in the city. A group of pro-Turkish demonstrators held a rally outside the embassy. All three activities were licensed by the police.
On January 21, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Christensen tweeted that freedom of speech is essential, but “what is legal is not necessarily appropriate”.
“The burning of books that are sacred to many is a very disrespectful act. I would like to express my sympathy to all Muslims who were offended by what happened in Stockholm today,” he added.
So far, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has not commented on the matter.
[ad_2]
Source link