Salwan Momika, who had planned to burn the Quran for the second time, failed.
This when the Koran became too wet because he repeatedly threw the book down on wet grass and stomped on it.
An application for a public assembly where it was stated that they wanted to burn the Koran was granted by the police on Wednesday. There was therefore a large draw outside the Iraqi embassy when it was to take place today. Among other things, because of the tense situation between Iraq and Sweden.
By 1 p.m., protesters had gathered outside the embassy. Approximately 130 police officers were at the scene and the riot fence was set up.
Salwan Momika, who was to burn the Koran, was standing on a patch of grass about 30 meters in front of the Iraqi embassy with his companion.
Failed the Koran burning
He stomped and kicked the Koran repeatedly and, among other things, polished his shoes with a picture of the Iraqi flag.
With him he had a Swedish flag which was in focus. Sometimes he would pick it up and wave it.
According to TV4’s photographer who was at the scene, Salwan Momika and his companion tried several times to set fire to the Koran. However, it must have been too wet because they repeatedly put the Koran on the ground and stomped on it.
In pictures from the scene, a page of the Koran can be seen burning for a short time, after Salwan Momika’s companion lit the fire.
The threat level against Sweden
When TV4 talks to Säpo’s spokesperson Adam Samara, he says that the terror threat level in Sweden is unchanged, despite demonstrations against the Koran burnings around the world.
– It remains at an elevated level and has done so for several years. It is therefore a third on a five-point scale. Säpo is of course following developments closely. It can go quickly and we make continuous assessments of the threat picture against Sweden and Swedish interests abroad. Within the framework of that work, we assess the intention and ability of various actors to commit crimes, he says and continues:
– It is as we previously stated; we have seen how the development of events during the year and manifestations have affected the image of Sweden. It has led to threatening reactions that we know can be threatening.