<p>Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson vowed to introduce new measures to tighten border control as he claimed that the “outsiders” are exploiting the country’s freedom of express laws to stage Quran burning protests and spread “hate messages”.</p>

<p>Addressing the media in Stockholm on Tuesday (August 1), hours after two Iraqi men were allowed to set fire to Islam's holy book outside the Swedish parliament, Kristersson said such acts were “dragging Sweden into international conflicts”.</p>

<p>“As everyone knows, we have a complicated security situation both in and around Sweden,” Kristersson said, reports Politico.</p>

<p>“We are in daily contact with the Swedish intelligence services at the moment. That’s how serious we think the situation is.”</p>

<p>A final decision on stringent border law will be made Thursday, Swedish broadcaster SVT reported.&nbsp;This new law is expected to give police expanded powers to conduct identity checks as well as vehicle and body searches at Sweden's borders.</p>

<h2><strong>Tighter screening at border</strong></h2>

<p>“People with very weak links to Sweden should not be able to come to Sweden to commit crimes,” Kristersson said, adding that electronic border surveillance will also be expanded.</p>

<p>The PM said that Swedish security experts have expressed concerns that such continued protests could trigger serious threats, "from individuals within the violent Islamist milieu."</p>

<p>For that reason, it is "extremely important" to stop those individuals perceived as threats from entering the country, Kristersson said.</p>

<p>Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer, who appeared alongside Kristersson, said, "Border controls are a measure that gives us the conditions to identify people coming into Sweden who could represent a threat to security."</p>

<h2>Quran burning in Sweden: Freedom of expression taken too far?</h2>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/quran-burning-in-sweden-freedom-of-expression-taken-too-far-621236/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>Govt rules out changes to freedom of expression laws</strong></h2>

<p>While Stromme ruled out sweeping changes to hate speech laws, Kistersson said that the government was considering changes that would allow police to prevent Quran burnings if they posed a national security threat.</p>

<p>“We are drawn into conflicts in our countries where individuals have a legal right to speak,” Kristersson said.</p>

<p>Condemning the recent anti-Islam statements, Kristersson warned that people were using Sweden as a stage to spread hateful messages. “Not all that is legal to say is appropriate to say,” he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/woman-wounded-after-shooting-attack-at-swedish-consulate-in-turkey-reports-621499">Turkish staff member seriously wounded after shooting attack at Swedish consulate in Izmir: Reports</a></p>

<p>Sweden and Denmark have been braving serious diplomatic protests from the Islamic countries over allowing desecration and/or burning of holy book Quran.</p>

<p>Both countries said they were examining ways to legally limit such acts in a bid to de-escalate tensions.</p>

<p>The remarks come in response to a special session called by the Organisation of Islamic Council, representing 57 countries, on Monday where they condemned the burnings as “despicable acts of aggression” and calling on the UN to intervene.</p>

<p>In a 35-point action plan, the organisation called on the UN secretary general to appoint a special rapporteur on combating&nbsp;Islamophobia&nbsp;and urged all governments to fully implement existing laws or adopt new legislation if needed, citing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson vowed to introduce new measures to tighten border control as he claimed that the “outsiders” are exploiting the country’s freedom of express laws to stage Quran burning protests and spread “hate messages”.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson vowed to introduce new measures to tighten border control as he claimed that the “outsiders” are exploiting the country’s freedom of express laws to stage Quran burning protests and spread “hate messages”. Addressing the media in Stockholm on Tuesday (August 1), hours after two Iraqi men were allowed to set fire to Islam's holy book outside the Swedish parliament, Kristersson said such acts were “dragging Sweden into international conflicts”. “As everyone knows, we have a complicated security situation both in and around Sweden,” Kristersson said, reports Politico. “We are in daily contact with the Swedish intelligence services at the moment. That’s how serious we think the situation is.” A final decision on stringent border law will be made Thursday, Swedish broadcaster SVT reported. This new law is expected to give police expanded powers to conduct identity checks as well as vehicle and body searches at Sweden's borders. Tighter screening at border “People with very weak links to Sweden should not be able to come to Sweden to commit crimes,” Kristersson said, adding that electronic border surveillance will also be expanded. The PM said that Swedish security experts have expressed concerns that such continued protests could trigger serious threats, "from individuals within the violent Islamist milieu." For that reason, it is "extremely important" to stop those individuals perceived as threats from entering the country, Kristersson said. Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer, who appeared alongside Kristersson, said, "Border controls are a measure that gives us the conditions to identify people coming into Sweden who could represent a threat to security." Quran burning in Sweden: Freedom of expression taken too far? Govt rules out changes to freedom of expression laws While Stromme ruled out sweeping changes to hate speech laws, Kistersson said that the government was considering changes that would allow police to prevent Quran burnings if they posed a national security threat. “We are drawn into conflicts in our countries where individuals have a legal right to speak,” Kristersson said. Condemning the recent anti-Islam statements, Kristersson warned that people were using Sweden as a stage to spread hateful messages. “Not all that is legal to say is appropriate to say,” he said. Also read | Turkish staff member seriously wounded after shooting attack at Swedish consulate in Izmir: Reports Sweden and Denmark have been braving serious diplomatic protests from the Islamic countries over allowing desecration and/or burning of holy book Quran. Both countries said they were examining ways to legally limit such acts in a bid to de-escalate tensions. The remarks come in response to a special session called by the Organisation of Islamic Council, representing 57 countries, on Monday where they condemned the burnings as “despicable acts of aggression” and calling on the UN to intervene. In a 35-point action plan, the organisation called on the UN secretary general to appoint a special rapporteur on combating Islamophobia and urged all governments to fully implement existing laws or adopt new legislation if needed, citing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Swedish PM vows to tighten borders, blames ‘outsiders’ for Quran burning protests

<p>The Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed deep concern over the potential consequences of further demonstrations related to the desecration of the Quran.</p>

<p>Kristersson acknowledged the growing anger among Muslims due to attacks on Islam's holy book in both Sweden and Denmark. The attacks have drawn global condemnation, especially&nbsp;from Muslim countries like Turkey, whose support is crucial for Sweden's goal of joining US-led NATO amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.</p>

<h2><strong>Quran desecration row: Why Swedish prime minister is worried</strong></h2>

<p>The latest cause of worry is the number of&nbsp;additional requests for protests against&nbsp;the desecration of the Quran that have been submitted to the police. The prime minister fears&nbsp;that if these requests are granted, there could be serious incidents.</p>

<p>"If they are granted, we are going to face some days where there is a clear risk of something serious happening," the Swedish prime minister said. "I am extremely worried about what it could lead to."</p>

<h2><strong>Sweden Quran desecration row: Violent demonstrations worldwide</strong></h2>

<p>Says after a copy of the Quran was desecrated in Stockholm,&nbsp;the Swedish embassy in Baghdad was stormed and set on fire by protesters.</p>

<p>Recently, Swedish officials, including Kristersson, disclosed that the country had been targeted by a disinformation campaign led by "Russia-backed actors".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-is-mulling-over-changing-law-to-public-burnings-of-koran-613361">Sweden considering amending the law to prevent burning of Quran in public</a></strong></p>

<p>The Swedish Security Service (Sapo) maintained a threat level of 3 on a scale of 5, indicating an "elevated threat" during the crisis. The head of Sapo, Charlotte von Essen, stated that there had been a strong reaction to recent events, and Sweden's image had shifted from a tolerant country to an anti-Islamic one.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |Thousands of Muslims took to the streets to express outrage over Quran desecration in Sweden</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/thousands-of-muslims-took-to-the-streets-to-express-outrage-over-quran-desecration-in-sweden-619139/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Both Denmark and Sweden condemned the burning of the Quran but cited their respect for free speech rules, which prevent them from disallowing such acts.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-stockholm-allows-qurans-burning-julian-assange-back-in-focus-from-vatican-611147">The Capitals: Stockholm allows Quran burning, Julian Assange receives attention from Vatican</a></strong></p>

<p>Sweden accused other countries, particularly Russia, of exploiting the crisis to undermine Sweden's interests and its aspiration to join NATO. The Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström,&nbsp; said&nbsp;that the desecrations were committed by individuals within the framework of freedom of speech laws and not endorsed by the Swedish state.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed deep concern over the potential consequences of further demonstrations related to the desecration of the Quran.

The Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed deep concern over the potential consequences of further demonstrations related to the desecration of the Quran. Kristersson acknowledged the growing anger among Muslims due to attacks on Islam's holy book in both Sweden and Denmark. The attacks have drawn global condemnation, especially from Muslim countries like Turkey, whose support is crucial for Sweden's goal of joining US-led NATO amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Quran desecration row: Why Swedish prime minister is worried The latest cause of worry is the number of additional requests for protests against the desecration of the Quran that have been submitted to the police. The prime minister fears that if these requests are granted, there could be serious incidents. "If they are granted, we are going to face some days where there is a clear risk of something serious happening," the Swedish prime minister said. "I am extremely worried about what it could lead to." Sweden Quran desecration row: Violent demonstrations worldwide Says after a copy of the Quran was desecrated in Stockholm, the Swedish embassy in Baghdad was stormed and set on fire by protesters. Recently, Swedish officials, including Kristersson, disclosed that the country had been targeted by a disinformation campaign led by "Russia-backed actors". Also read | Sweden considering amending the law to prevent burning of Quran in public The Swedish Security Service (Sapo) maintained a threat level of 3 on a scale of 5, indicating an "elevated threat" during the crisis. The head of Sapo, Charlotte von Essen, stated that there had been a strong reaction to recent events, and Sweden's image had shifted from a tolerant country to an anti-Islamic one. Also watch |Thousands of Muslims took to the streets to express outrage over Quran desecration in Sweden × Both Denmark and Sweden condemned the burning of the Quran but cited their respect for free speech rules, which prevent them from disallowing such acts. Also read | The Capitals: Stockholm allows Quran burning, Julian Assange receives attention from Vatican Sweden accused other countries, particularly Russia, of exploiting the crisis to undermine Sweden's interests and its aspiration to join NATO. The Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström, said that the desecrations were committed by individuals within the framework of freedom of speech laws and not endorsed by the Swedish state. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sweden under 'elevated threat' of attack as more people apply to burn Quran

sweden-quran-burning

Sweden Quran Burning, News on Sweden Quran Burning, stories on Sweden Quran Burning, articles on Sweden Quran Burning, Sweden Quran Burning stories at Wion, Sweden Quran Burning news, Sweden Quran Burning latest news

sweden quran-burning

Swedish PM vows to tighten borders, blames ‘outsiders’ for Quran burning protests

Sweden under 'elevated threat' of attack as more people apply to burn Quran