The burning of the Koran was organized in Malmö for a long time. Many Muslims condemn the act but do not want to be provoked.
19:29•Updated 20:29
MALMO The Eurovision contest city is preparing for next week’s national festival, but also for big demonstrations. Many anti-Israel protests and other events are organized in Malmö.
During the five-week period, the atmosphere became more tense when an anti-Islamic performance was organized in the middle of the city. A man and a woman who received permission to express themselves read excerpts from the Bible, pulled the Koran on a dog’s leash, burned pages of the Muslim holy book and trampled on the Palestinian flag.
The police had cordoned off the area at Gustaf Adolfi market and monitored the fenced area. Numerous people gathered around the fences to watch the event – some out of interest, some accompanied by great emotions.
From Malmö Mohammed Badran had arrived on time, as the exact time of the event had not been announced. However, the Muslim youth wanted to leave the event on its own merits.
– The majority of the Muslim community is not provoked by this. Because if we get angry and provoked, then those Koran-burners will win.
Badran does not believe that the protests during the five-week period will become too violent. He says that for many Muslims Eurovision is a matter of no concern.
– Not everyone even knows that the Eurovision Song Contest is held here. Many live their own lives in Rosengård (a Muslim-majority district).
Emilia Fisal believed that there could also be violence, but he is not afraid:
– The police are doing their best. But something violent can also happen.
High schooler Elizabeth Olsson had heard about the situation during the school day and came to watch it with his friends. He was surprised and disappointed that Koran burning was organized in the city after a long time.
– This should not happen, people should respect each other. And this affects not only Sweden, but also other countries, such as Turkey.
Olsson said that he might take part in next week’s peaceful protests, but he doesn’t want to do anything violent.
– People are against what is happening in Gaza. I’m against Israel’s participation in Eurovision – besides, it’s not even part of Europe.
Georg Jakimainen on the other hand, was not surprised to see the burning of the Koran.
– Not at all, considering our right-wing government and racism in our country.
Although Friday afternoon’s burning of the Koran went without clashes, the sensitivity of the issue became very clear. Not everyone wanted to talk to the media, least of all on camera.
One of them was Azel Ameen, which followed the burning of the Koran a little further. He even predicted violent demonstrations for the fifth week.
– Many are against the genocide, and large demonstrations are coming. But I’m not afraid to be here.