In recent days, the Qur’an burns have once again come up with the wallpaper after the murder of Salwan Momika. In 2023 he was part of the series of Koran burning that took place around Sweden.
Several Muslim countries reacted strongly. Violent acts occurred at Swedish missions abroad and terrorist groups called for violence in Sweden. In addition, the Swedish NATO process was slowed up after criticism from Turkey.
The Qur’an burns also led to a debate in Sweden about freedom of speech. Burning sacred writings is an important part of freedom of speech, said, among other things, the chairman of the Justice Committee Richard Jomshof (SD).
Added investigation
The security crisis led to the government setting up an investigation to review whether Koran burning could be banned. It was completed last summer and presented several suggestions. One of the main proposals in the investigation was that the police would be entitled to stop public gatherings if they threatened Swedish security. Thus, a direct connection to the Qur’an burns.
When Sweden is now a member of NATO and the media attention to such manifestations, the government has no longer experienced the same urgency as when the investigation was appointed.
In the drawer
Although all referral responses have been in since November, the government has no plans to put a bill in Parliament in the spring. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer (M) prioritizes other legislative proposals. When, or even if, a bill will be presented to the Riksdag is thus highly unclear.
As the connection to the NATO membership no longer exists, these types of actions have largely lost its political explosive power and thus also the news interest. Another explanation for the government hesitating is that several referral bodies have been critical of parts of the investigation’s proposal. An at least as important explanation is that SD continues to say no to prohibiting Koran burning, with reference to freedom of expression.
Gunnar Strömmer now speaks about “constitutional preparedness”, that is, to have a bill ready for rapid legislation, if Koran burning would again be common, than to make a ban, which may be a clue as to how he views the matter.
The proposal for a ban thus seems to be adapted to the drawer for the time being.