Sweden's Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer, while speaking to Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, said that the government is considering amending the law to prevent the burning of Quran in public. 
 
The statement came after the recent burning of the Muslim holy book at an authorised protest in Stockholm which drew anger from governments in several majority Muslim countries. 
 
The minister said the incident and others similar to it have made Sweden a target for militant violence. 
 
"We have seen arrests in Sweden on suspicion of preparation for a terrorist offence," Strommer said. "There have been arrests in Germany on suspicion of preparation for a terrorist offence against Sweden in the light of this. We can also see that the burning of the Quran last week has generated threats to our internal security,” he added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-warns-against-pressure-to-support-swedens-nato-bid-611877">Turkey warns against 'pressure' to support Sweden's NATO bid</a>

"It is clear that we must analyse the legal situation in the light of the spring events and those judgments. The analyses are ongoing and we will come back with any conclusions,” the minister said. "We have to ask ourselves whether the current order is good or whether there is reason to reconsider it."

<h2>Public burning of Quran</h2>

In June, an Iraqi national resident tore and burnt a copy of Islam's holy book as part of the protest outside the largest mosque of the capital in Sweden on the day of Eid al-Adha. 
 
His actions received swift and furious international reactions. Morocco's ambassador was recalled and the incident was unanimously condemned by the governments of Iran, Saudi Arabia and Iraq. 
 
A crowd of protesters gathered at the Swedish embassy in Baghdad and entered its compound before they were dispersed by security forces. 
 
Although the protest of Salwan Momika was permitted by the authorities, the police stated that his stunt is being investigated as a potential act of "agitation against an ethnic group".

WATCH |&nbsp;Sweden permits Quran burning protests

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Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, earlier this week, said at a press conference that the incident was seen as part of a disturbing pattern. 
 
“The fact that the Swedish security system is incapable of preventing provocations and is presenting an image of a (country) that brings problems to NATO instead of more power is making us think in terms of the strategic and security aspects,” he stated. 
 
He, however, said that Ankara would still give approval to NATO membership of Sweden when the Swedish government “completes its homework”.

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Sweden's Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer, while speaking to Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, said that the government is considering amending the law to prevent the burning of Quran in public.

Sweden's Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer, while speaking to Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, said that the government is considering amending the law to prevent the burning of Quran in public. The statement came after the recent burning of the Muslim holy book at an authorised protest in Stockholm which drew anger from governments in several majority Muslim countries. The minister said the incident and others similar to it have made Sweden a target for militant violence. "We have seen arrests in Sweden on suspicion of preparation for a terrorist offence," Strommer said. "There have been arrests in Germany on suspicion of preparation for a terrorist offence against Sweden in the light of this. We can also see that the burning of the Quran last week has generated threats to our internal security,” he added. ALSO READ | Turkey warns against 'pressure' to support Sweden's NATO bid "It is clear that we must analyse the legal situation in the light of the spring events and those judgments. The analyses are ongoing and we will come back with any conclusions,” the minister said. "We have to ask ourselves whether the current order is good or whether there is reason to reconsider it." Public burning of Quran In June, an Iraqi national resident tore and burnt a copy of Islam's holy book as part of the protest outside the largest mosque of the capital in Sweden on the day of Eid al-Adha. His actions received swift and furious international reactions. Morocco's ambassador was recalled and the incident was unanimously condemned by the governments of Iran, Saudi Arabia and Iraq. A crowd of protesters gathered at the Swedish embassy in Baghdad and entered its compound before they were dispersed by security forces. Although the protest of Salwan Momika was permitted by the authorities, the police stated that his stunt is being investigated as a potential act of "agitation against an ethnic group". WATCH | Sweden permits Quran burning protests Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, earlier this week, said at a press conference that the incident was seen as part of a disturbing pattern. “The fact that the Swedish security system is incapable of preventing provocations and is presenting an image of a (country) that brings problems to NATO instead of more power is making us think in terms of the strategic and security aspects,” he stated. He, however, said that Ankara would still give approval to NATO membership of Sweden when the Swedish government “completes its homework”. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Sweden considering amending the law to prevent burning of Quran in public

Tunisian&nbsp;President&nbsp;Kais Saied has announced plans to form a new government and said the&nbsp;constitution&nbsp;should&nbsp;be&nbsp;amended, weeks after he sacked his premier and suspended parliament in moves his critics called a coup.

Speaking to two television channels after a late Saturday evening stroll in central Tunis, Saied said he would form a new government "as soon as possible" after selecting "the people with the most integrity". But he declined to give a specific timeline.

Saied also told the television stations that "the Tunisian people rejected the&nbsp;constitution". He added that such charters are "not eternal" and stated that "we can introduce amendments to the text".

His comments, which confirmed earlier media speculations on his plans, were dismissed by the Islamist-inspired Ennahdha party, the largest bloc in parliament.

The party in a statement expressed "its categorical rejection of the attempts of some parties that are hostile to the democratic process... to push for choices that violate the rules of the&nbsp;constitution".&nbsp;

Ennahdha added that it would oppose "an intended suspension of the application of the&nbsp;constitution&nbsp;and a change to the political system, possibly through a referendum".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/people-in-madrid-protest-against-rise-in-homophobic-attacks-412579">Also read |&nbsp;People in Madrid protest against rise in homophobic attacks</a>

The influential UGTT trade union confederation, which has so far backed Saied, also rejected any "suspension of the&nbsp;constitution" and called for early legislative elections so that a new parliament could look into potential constitutional changes.

Dire living conditions&nbsp;

Saied, a legal theorist and former law professor, was elected in 2019 and has billed himself as the ultimate interpreter of the&nbsp;constitution.

He invoked that power on July 25 to fire the prime minister, freeze parliament and strip MPs of their immunity, and assume all executive powers.

His power grab came amid chronic legislative infighting that had crippled governance. It was followed by a sweeping anti-corruption drive that has included detentions, travel bans and house arrests of politicians, businessmen and judicial officials.

Saied has yet to appoint a new government or reveal a roadmap towards normalisation, despite repeated demands by political parties.

His moves have been criticised by judges and opponents, in particular Ennahdha.

But some Tunisians, exasperated by their political class and its perceived corruption, impunity and failure to improve living standards more than a decade since the country's protests launched the Arab Spring, see them as a necessary evil.

The chants of "Dignity!" and "Work!" that filled the air during the revolution have again started to sound at demonstrations.

In images posted around midnight on the Tunisian presidency's Facebook page, Saied was seen walking down the capital's Bourguiba Avenue as a crowd sang the national anthem, before he stopped to speak with the TV channels.

Self-immolation

Earlier that day on the same central thoroughfare, a man had set himself on fire and later died of his burns -- a desperate act that followed another self-immolation a week before protesting living conditions&nbsp;

According to Tunisian media reports, the man who died Saturday was struggling with economic issues and had come to Tunis from Djerba to seek solutions to his plight.

The deaths recall that of the street vendor who burned himself alive on December 17, 2010 and launched both&nbsp;Tunisia's popular revolution and the wider Arab Spring that toppled several autocratic leaders in the region.

Tunisia, hailed as a rare democratic success story in the Middle East and North Africa, was struggling with dire economic woes and the Covid-19 pandemic before being plunged into the latest political crisis.

Saied's comments came a day after he received in Tunis the EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell who expressed the bloc's concerns over the power grab.

"I communicated to the&nbsp;president&nbsp;Europe's apprehensions about the preservation of democratic gains in&nbsp;Tunisia," Borrell said after talks with Saied.

"The free exercise of legislative power and the resumption of parliamentary activity are part of these gains and must be respected," he added.

Earlier this month, diplomats from the G7 nations -- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the US -- called on Saied to return&nbsp;Tunisia&nbsp;to "a constitutional order".

Tunisian President Kais Saied has announced plans to form a new government and said the constitution should be amended, weeks after he sacked his premier and suspended parliament in moves his critics called a coup.

Tunisian President Kais Saied has announced plans to form a new government and said the constitution should be amended, weeks after he sacked his premier and suspended parliament in moves his critics called a coup. Speaking to two television channels after a late Saturday evening stroll in central Tunis, Saied said he would form a new government "as soon as possible" after selecting "the people with the most integrity". But he declined to give a specific timeline. Saied also told the television stations that "the Tunisian people rejected the constitution". He added that such charters are "not eternal" and stated that "we can introduce amendments to the text". His comments, which confirmed earlier media speculations on his plans, were dismissed by the Islamist-inspired Ennahdha party, the largest bloc in parliament. The party in a statement expressed "its categorical rejection of the attempts of some parties that are hostile to the democratic process... to push for choices that violate the rules of the constitution". Ennahdha added that it would oppose "an intended suspension of the application of the constitution and a change to the political system, possibly through a referendum". Also read | People in Madrid protest against rise in homophobic attacks The influential UGTT trade union confederation, which has so far backed Saied, also rejected any "suspension of the constitution" and called for early legislative elections so that a new parliament could look into potential constitutional changes. Dire living conditions Saied, a legal theorist and former law professor, was elected in 2019 and has billed himself as the ultimate interpreter of the constitution. He invoked that power on July 25 to fire the prime minister, freeze parliament and strip MPs of their immunity, and assume all executive powers. His power grab came amid chronic legislative infighting that had crippled governance. It was followed by a sweeping anti-corruption drive that has included detentions, travel bans and house arrests of politicians, businessmen and judicial officials. Saied has yet to appoint a new government or reveal a roadmap towards normalisation, despite repeated demands by political parties. His moves have been criticised by judges and opponents, in particular Ennahdha. But some Tunisians, exasperated by their political class and its perceived corruption, impunity and failure to improve living standards more than a decade since the country's protests launched the Arab Spring, see them as a necessary evil. The chants of "Dignity!" and "Work!" that filled the air during the revolution have again started to sound at demonstrations. In images posted around midnight on the Tunisian presidency's Facebook page, Saied was seen walking down the capital's Bourguiba Avenue as a crowd sang the national anthem, before he stopped to speak with the TV channels. Self-immolation Earlier that day on the same central thoroughfare, a man had set himself on fire and later died of his burns -- a desperate act that followed another self-immolation a week before protesting living conditions According to Tunisian media reports, the man who died Saturday was struggling with economic issues and had come to Tunis from Djerba to seek solutions to his plight. The deaths recall that of the street vendor who burned himself alive on December 17, 2010 and launched both Tunisia's popular revolution and the wider Arab Spring that toppled several autocratic leaders in the region. Tunisia, hailed as a rare democratic success story in the Middle East and North Africa, was struggling with dire economic woes and the Covid-19 pandemic before being plunged into the latest political crisis. Saied's comments came a day after he received in Tunis the EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell who expressed the bloc's concerns over the power grab. "I communicated to the president Europe's apprehensions about the preservation of democratic gains in Tunisia," Borrell said after talks with Saied. "The free exercise of legislative power and the resumption of parliamentary activity are part of these gains and must be respected," he added. Earlier this month, diplomats from the G7 nations -- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the US -- called on Saied to return Tunisia to "a constitutional order".

Tunisia's president says constitution should be amended

Sri Lanka said on Tuesday it was withdrawing permission for a Chinese company to buy the freehold to 20 hectares of land being reclaimed under a $1.4 billion port project after India objected. 
 
Instead, it will grant the state-owned construction company a 99-year lease on the land next to the port in Colombo, under a new agreement. 
 
&quot;India had a big concern about giving freehold land to China near the Colombo harbour,&quot; government spokesman Rajitha Senaratne told reporters. &quot;We have amended the agreement. There will be no freehold land but it will be on a 99-year lease.&quot; 
 
The government had put the project on hold pending a review of all the big-ticket agreements signed under the previous administration of Mahinda Rajapakse. The former president relied heavily on Chinese investment to rebuild the country&#39;s infrastructure after the end of the island&#39;s decades-long ethnic war in May 2009, a move which some say alienated India. 
 
The Chinese-funded port was also controversial among environmentalists. Senaratne said the developers had agreed to drop a proposed Formula One track and increase public park space, and environmental safeguards would be put in place. 
 
The project is being funded by China Communications Construction Company and was launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping in September 2014 during a visit to Colombo. 
 
Beijing has been accused of seeking to develop facilities around the Indian Ocean in a &quot;string of pearls&quot; strategy to counter the rise of rival India and secure its own economic interests. 
 
But Senaratne said the government had decided to go ahead with the project under new terms. Colombo would set up an offshore banking centre to compete with Dubai and Singapore, he said. 
 
The reclamation represents the biggest-ever single foreign investment in Sri Lanka. It will add 269 hectares (672 acres) of real estate in the congested capital, which has a population of over 650,000. Once completed, the Chinese will have 108 hectares (266 acres) on a 99-year lease for commercial development. 
 
Earlier, 20 hectares of that was to be on a freehold basis. Under the agreement, the Sri Lankan government will get 62 hectares (153 acres) and the rest will be public parks and access roads. 
 
China, the largest single lender to Sri Lanka, secured contracts to build roads, railways, and ports under Rajapakse, who is under investigation over allegations of corruption during his decade in power. 
 
The administration of President Maithripala Sirisena says the terms negotiated by the previous government were unfavourable. But it has still decided to go ahead with many of the Chinese-funded projects. 
 
(AFP)

Government spokesman Rajitha Senaratne said Sri Lanka has amended the agreement, it will grant the Chinese company a 99-year lease instead

Sri Lanka said on Tuesday it was withdrawing permission for a Chinese company to buy the freehold to 20 hectares of land being reclaimed under a $1.4 billion port project after India objected. Instead, it will grant the state-owned construction company a 99-year lease on the land next to the port in Colombo, under a new agreement. "India had a big concern about giving freehold land to China near the Colombo harbour," government spokesman Rajitha Senaratne told reporters. "We have amended the agreement. There will be no freehold land but it will be on a 99-year lease." The government had put the project on hold pending a review of all the big-ticket agreements signed under the previous administration of Mahinda Rajapakse. The former president relied heavily on Chinese investment to rebuild the country's infrastructure after the end of the island's decades-long ethnic war in May 2009, a move which some say alienated India. The Chinese-funded port was also controversial among environmentalists. Senaratne said the developers had agreed to drop a proposed Formula One track and increase public park space, and environmental safeguards would be put in place. The project is being funded by China Communications Construction Company and was launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping in September 2014 during a visit to Colombo. Beijing has been accused of seeking to develop facilities around the Indian Ocean in a "string of pearls" strategy to counter the rise of rival India and secure its own economic interests. But Senaratne said the government had decided to go ahead with the project under new terms. Colombo would set up an offshore banking centre to compete with Dubai and Singapore, he said. The reclamation represents the biggest-ever single foreign investment in Sri Lanka. It will add 269 hectares (672 acres) of real estate in the congested capital, which has a population of over 650,000. Once completed, the Chinese will have 108 hectares (266 acres) on a 99-year lease for commercial development. Earlier, 20 hectares of that was to be on a freehold basis. Under the agreement, the Sri Lankan government will get 62 hectares (153 acres) and the rest will be public parks and access roads. China, the largest single lender to Sri Lanka, secured contracts to build roads, railways, and ports under Rajapakse, who is under investigation over allegations of corruption during his decade in power. The administration of President Maithripala Sirisena says the terms negotiated by the previous government were unfavourable. But it has still decided to go ahead with many of the Chinese-funded projects. (AFP)

Sri Lanka withdraws freehold land offer to China after India's objection

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