Violent clashes broke out in Malmo after another desecration of the Koran. According to the police, several officers were attacked and dozens of cars were set on fire.
Another burning of the Koran has sparked riots in the Swedish city of Malmo. According to the police, officers were thrown at with stones. Dozens of cars were set on fire, including in an underground car park. According to the police, the clashes began on Sunday and lasted until the morning.
Iraqi Salwan Momika had burned a copy of the Koran. Angry spectators tried to stop him. The police then arrested several people.
Similar clashes have occurred in the past in Malmö, southern Sweden. Police Commissioner Petra Stenkula said she understands the strong emotions, but that violence cannot be tolerated: “It is extremely unfortunate that violence and vandalism have broken out again in Rosengård.”
terror alert level increased in Sweden
In recent months, Momika has repeatedly desecrated the Koran in a series of anti-Islam protests. His high-profile actions had also caused outrage in Muslim countries.
Sweden’s government had condemned the desecration of the Koran and at the same time referred to the strong protection of freedom of expression. After several Koran burnings, the country raised its terror alert level to the second highest category for the first time since 2016. The authorities cited an increased risk of attacks by Islamists as the reason.