https://www.middleeastmonitor.com Latest news from the Middle East and North Africa Tue, 08 Aug 2023 10:56:48 +0000 en-GB Middle East Monitor 30 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.2 https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/favicon.png?fit=32%2C32&quality=85&strip=all&zoom=1&ssl=1 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com 32 32 116394717 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230807-quran-burnings-proof-of-broader-bias-against-migrants-in-europe-ex-un-rapporteur/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 11:22:45 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658295 A recent wave of Quran burnings in Sweden and Denmark is "an assertion of a broader anti-immigrant, anti-non-European right-wing bias that has grown to be quite politically strong," a former UN special rapporteur has said. "There's no legitimate purpose by allowing groups to burn the holy scriptures of another religious faith," Richard Falk, a professor emeritus of international law at Princeton University, said. "It seems to me to serve … no possible constructive purpose. And I think there is a strong case for [such acts to be] prohibited." In recent months, far-right groups have desecrated and burnt several copies of the Quran in Denmark and neighbouring Sweden, drawing fierce condemnation from Muslims around the world and calls for measures to stop […]]]> 658295 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230805-denmark-studying-legal-measures-to-prevent-quran-burning-egyptian-foreign-ministry/ Sat, 05 Aug 2023 13:29:54 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658102 Denmark is studying several measures and legislation to prevent the recurrence of Quran burning incidents, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said Friday, Anadolu reports. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Rasmussen affirmed this in a phone call with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry, Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid said in a statement. Rasmussen told Shoukry that the recent incidents involving the burning and desecration of the Quran in Denmark were "regrettable and contradicted Denmark's societal values," the statement added. Reiterating Egypt's strong condemnation of Quran burning, Shoukry said that such incidents provoke Muslims worldwide. READ: Iran-born Swedish woman burns Quran in Stockholm He also affirmed that these incidents violate human rights, threaten peaceful coexistence and fuel extremism. On Tuesday, despite wide-ranging condemnation, members […]]]> 658102 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230804-attacks-on-quran-extremist-acts-say-british-academics/ Fri, 04 Aug 2023 18:01:21 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658060 Academics known for their work on religion, faith and society in the UK have said that attacks on the Muslim holy book, Quran, in Scandinavian countries are "extremist acts that must be prevented", Anadolu Agency reports. Alison Scott-Baumann, a Professor of Society and Faith at the Centre for Islamic Studies at SOAS University, and David Thomas, a Professor of Theology and Religion at the University of Birmingham, spoke to Anadolu about the increasing Islamophobic attacks in Scandinavian countries, especially Sweden and Denmark. Scott-Baumann stated that the acts of burning the Quran in Scandinavian countries are a result of the effect caused by the discourses of politicians and emphasized that these discourses are fed by the idea of "creating enemies in […]]]> 658060 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230803-eu-views-reckless-quran-burnings-in-denmark-sweden-as-individual-provocations/ Thu, 03 Aug 2023 19:01:24 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=657952 Recent "reckless" attacks on Islam's holy book, the Quran, in Denmark and Sweden are "individual" provocations, the EU said on Thursday, Anadolu Agency reports. "The EU has always been clear that manifestations of racism, xenophobia and related intolerance have no place in Europe," Nabila Massrali, the EU spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said at a press conference. Responding to reporters' questions, Massrali said such actions are incompatible with the values ​​upon which the EU was founded, which include respect for religious communities. "These reckless acts committed by individual provocateurs only benefit those who want to divide us and our societies," she added. She reiterated that the EU attaches "great importance" to promoting religious freedom or belief for Muslims […]]]> 657952 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230803-danish-opposition-protests-at-government-move-to-stop-quran-burnings/ Thu, 03 Aug 2023 14:58:33 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=657918 Seven Danish opposition parties, on Thursday, voiced objection to the government's efforts to make it illegal to burn copies of the Quran, arguing that legislation would be an unacceptable restriction on freedom of expression, Reuters reports. Outrage in the Muslim world over desecration of the Quran in front of embassies of Muslim countries in Denmark and Sweden has prompted both governments to say they will look for ways to legally restrict the burnings. But prohibiting Quran burnings would interfere with the principles of free speech in Denmark, the opposition parties said in a joint statement. "All undersigned parties uphold fundamental Danish civil liberties and are of the opinion that civil liberties must always take precedence over religious dogmas," they wrote. By giving in to outside pressure, […]]]> 657918 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230802-danish-ultranationalists-continue-to-desecrate-quran-burning-holy-book-for-3rd-day-in-a-row/ Wed, 02 Aug 2023 18:47:14 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=657555 Members of the ultranationalist group known as Danske Patrioter (Danish Patriots) continued the desecration of Muslims' holy book, the Quran, for the third consecutive day on Wednesday in Denmark's capital, Copenhagen, as they burned a copy of the Quran in front of the Turkish Embassy for the second day in a row, Anadolu Agency reports. Under the protection of local police, the members of the group chanted slogans against Islam in front of the embassy and unfurled anti-Islamic banners as well as ones calling for a boycott of Turkish products. Despite worldwide condemnation, members of the Danske Patrioter burned a copy of the Holy Quran in front of the Turkish Embassy on Tuesday. The members of the group chanted anti-Islamic […]]]> 657555 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230801-sweden-to-boost-border-controls-after-quran-burnings/ Tue, 01 Aug 2023 18:29:05 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=657148 Threats to Sweden have increased after recent Quran burnings, the country's government said on Tuesday, adding it had strengthened border controls to give police wider authority to stop and search people, as a result, Reuters reports. A new law, effective from the start of August, gives police extended powers to perform checks on and around the country's borders, including body searches, and allows for increased electronic surveillance. "Border controls are a measure that gives us the conditions to identify people coming into Sweden who could represent a threat to security," Justice Minister, Gunnar Strommer, told a news conference. Sweden and Denmark have seen a string of protests in recent weeks, in which copies of the Quran were burned or otherwise damaged, prompting outrage […]]]> 657148 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230801-denmark-will-continue-close-dialogue-with-muslim-countries-over-quran-burnings/ Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:51:26 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=657089 Denmark said, Monday, that it has noted the latest declaration by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) following a recent string of public desecrations of the Quran, saying it will continue close dialogue with the group's member states, Anadolu Agency reports. "Denmark has condemned the recent Quran burnings and is exploring the possibility of intervening in special situations within Danish freedom of expression," Danish Foreign Minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, said on Twitter. Releasing a statement following a session of its Council of Foreign Ministers on Monday, the OIC "strongly condemned" the recent Quran burnings in Sweden and Denmark, expressing "deeply regret" that these incidents continue to be allowed by the authorities. In a statement late Sunday, the Danish government said […]]]> 657089 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230731-denmark-hopes-bid-to-ban-quran-burnings-will-ease-tensions-with-muslim-countries/ Mon, 31 Jul 2023 14:43:10 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=656727 Danish Foreign Minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, said on Monday he hoped the government's proposal to limit Quran burnings in the country would help de-escalate a growing international conflict with several Muslim countries, Reuters reports. Denmark and Sweden have seen several protests in recent weeks where copies of the Quran have been burned, or otherwise damaged, prompting outrage in Muslim countries, which have demanded the Nordic governments put a stop to the burnings. The Danish government said on Sunday it would seek to find a "legal tool" that could enable authorities to intervene in such protests, if deemed to entail "significant negative consequences for Denmark, not least with regard to security". READ: Qurans burnt in front of Egypt, Turkiye embassies in Denmark "The fact that we are […]]]> 656727 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230729-turkiye-urges-denmark-to-take-urgent-action-to-prevent-quran-burnings-source/ Sat, 29 Jul 2023 15:37:02 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=656430 Turkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Saturday urged Denmark to take urgent action to prevent burnings of the Qur'an, a Turkish foreign ministry source said, Reuters reports. In a phone call with his Danish counterpart Lars Lokke Rasmussen, Fidan condemned the "continuous vile attacks against the Qur'an". He told Rasmussen it was unacceptable to allow such actions under the guise of freedom of expression, the source said. Rasmussen on Saturday wrote on messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter: "Turkiye and Denmark are close allies. Important to not let these acts succeed in creating division." He also reiterated Denmark's "strong condemnation of these provocative acts by few individuals." The comments came after a small group of anti-Islam activists set fire to […]]]> 656430 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230729-swedish-migration-agency-re-examines-residency-permit-of-quran-burner/ Sat, 29 Jul 2023 15:35:30 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=656431 The Swedish migration agency said late on Friday it is re-examining the residency permit of an Iraqi refugee who is behind several Qur'an desecrations in Stockholm in recent weeks, which have upset Muslims across the world, Reuters reports. The man burnt a copy of the Qur'an last month outside of Stockholm's central mosque and also held a demonstration in front of the Iraqi embassy in July where he said he would burn the holy book, but did not do so. The migration agency said it is re-examining his immigration status, after it received information from the Swedish authorities that have given reason to examine whether the man's status in Sweden should be revoked. "It is a statutory measure that is taken when the Swedish migration agency receives such […]]]> 656431 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230729-al-aqsa-preacher-we-reject-quran-burning-ben-gvirs-actions-a-declaration-of-war/ Sat, 29 Jul 2023 10:00:05 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=656401 Preacher of Al-Aqsa Mosque Sheikh Ekrima Sabri asserted that Muslims refuse the burning of any holy book and consider that justifying such action as being a matter of freedom of opinion by Western countries, such as Sweden and Denmark, is "unacceptable and unconvincing." Sheikh Sabri considered the statement by Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir regarding the return and imposition of Israeli rule on Al-Aqsa Mosque as a "declaration of war". Sheikh Sabri shared in an interview with Anadolu Agency inside Al-Aqsa Mosque: "The West has a trivial and unconvincing argument, which is that the burning of the Quran falls within the circle of freedom of opinion or freedom of movement, and this is totally rejected." He called on […]]]> 656401 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230728-muslims-decry-repeated-quran-burnings-desecration-in-western-countries/ Fri, 28 Jul 2023 13:43:25 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=656066 Muslims, worldwide, have condemned the desecration and burning of the Quran in Denmark and Sweden, asserting that these attacks cannot be justified by freedom of expression, Anadolu Agency reports. In response to the rising incidents of Quran desecration in Western countries, Anadolu spoke with locals from Iran, Iraq, Algeria, Lebanon and Palestine who took to the streets condemning the act. Yusuf Abu Sunayne, a preacher of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Occupied East Jerusalem, said: "The Book of Allah has been preserved in the hearts of Muslims; no matter what they do, no matter how much they hate, no matter how many opportunities they look to attack, the Book of Allah will guide Muslims in the East and West." He went on […]]]> 656066 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230728-israel-warns-against-burning-of-torah-in-sweden/ Fri, 28 Jul 2023 13:26:45 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=656058 Israel warned, on Friday, that the burning of the Torah in Sweden could harm relations between the two countries, Anadolu Agency reports. Foreign Minister, Eli Cohen, spoke with his Swedish counterpart, Tobias Billstrom, and explained to him that Israel takes seriously the use of threats to burn holy books in Sweden, according to a statement by the Israeli Foreign Ministry. Cohen told Billstrom that he was "horrified" by the possible recurrence of burning the Torah in Sweden, stating that this could harm relations between the two countries. The Israeli Foreign Minister conveyed in his message that Israel expects the Swedish government to prevent such acts that would have an impact on the bilateral ties. According to Israel 24 website, the […]]]> 656058 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230726-turkiye-welcomes-un-general-assemblys-resolution-deploring-desecration-of-holy-books/ Wed, 26 Jul 2023 19:19:42 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=655283 Turkiye welcomed the UN General Assembly's resolution that deplores all acts of violence against Holy Books as a violation of international law, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday, Anadolu Agency reports. "We welcome the decision of the UN General Assembly, which took place on 25 July, 2023, to consider any form of violence against sacred books as a violation of international law, and we are pleased that our country is also a co-sponsor of this resolution." It added this resolution holds particular significance in light of recent incidents in Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands, where police protection was granted for the burning of copies of the holy Quran. READ: 'Hatred against Muslims in Europe threatens co-existence' "These hate crimes […]]]> 655283 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230726-woman-tries-to-stop-quran-burning-in-denmark/ Wed, 26 Jul 2023 14:58:56 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=655209 READ: Attacks on Quran continue in Denmark]]> 655209 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230725-qurans-burnt-in-front-of-egypt-turkiye-embassies-in-denmark/ Tue, 25 Jul 2023 15:26:15 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=655020 A small group of anti-Islam activists set fire to Qurans in front of the Egyptian and Turkish embassies in Copenhagen on Tuesday, after similar protests in Denmark and Sweden over recent weeks that have enraged Muslims, Reuters reports. Denmark and Sweden have said they deplore the burning of Islam's Holy Book but cannot prevent it under rules protecting free speech. Last week, protesters in Iraq set the Swedish embassy in Baghdad ablaze. Tuesday's demonstration in Copenhagen by a group called "Danish Patriots" followed Quran burnings the group staged on Monday and last week in front of the Iraqi embassy. Two such incidents have taken place in Sweden over the past month. Iraq's Foreign Ministry on Monday called on authorities of EU […]]]> 655020 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230725-hatred-against-muslims-in-europe-threatens-co-existence/ Tue, 25 Jul 2023 13:37:54 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654992 Hate speech and racism against Muslims in Europe have increased significantly, threatening co-existence in societies, the head of Hamad bin Khalifa Civilisation Centre in Copenhagen, Denmark said, Anadolu Agency reports. "The phenomenon of hatred against European Muslims has become a topic of discussion in most European media and has been acknowledged by some government departments," Abdul Hamid Al-Hamdi told Anadolu. He went on to say: "This was evident when the German Ministry of Interior published a report concluding that the Muslim minority in Germany is the most vulnerable to racial discrimination and hate speech." In late June, the Ministry released a report prepared by the Independent Expert Group on Hostility to Muslims, which stated that a third of Muslims in […]]]> 654992 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230725-danish-diplomatic-mission-leaves-iraq-after-quran-desecration/ Tue, 25 Jul 2023 13:25:13 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654989 The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced yesterday that the Danish diplomatic mission in Baghdad left the country on Saturday, following the burning of a copy of the Holy Quran by a group of Danish right-wing extremists in Copenhagen. The announcement was made by ministry spokesman Ahmed Al-Sahhaf without giving further details. A Danish far-right anti-Islam group calling itself "Danske Patrioter" (Danish Patriots) burned a copy of the Holy Quran in front of the Iraqi Embassy in the Danish capital on Friday. The incident prompted demonstrations in Baghdad; hundreds of Iraqis tried to enter the fortified Green Zone in the capital to protest at the Danish Embassy. Earlier on Monday, the same group burned another copy of the Quran in […]]]> 654989 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230725-iran-uncovers-israel-spy-cell-planning-mass-sabotage-operations/ Tue, 25 Jul 2023 11:54:55 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654956 The Iranian Ministry of Security said yesterday it had disbanded a major network allegedly sponsored by Israel's Mossad spy agency that planned to carry out several acts of sabotage in the country. Iranian TV quoted the ministry as saying that all the cell members had been arrested with 43 bombs in their possession. "The terrorists were planning to carry out sabotage operations on the eve of the Muharram ceremony, including bombing the tomb of the late General Qassem Soleimani," the ministry said, pointing out that the network's leaders reside in Denmark and the Netherlands. On Sunday, the Iranian security forces said they disbanded another cell, and arrested all four members who planned to carry out "terrorist acts inside the country", […]]]> 654956 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230724-attacks-on-quran-continue-in-denmark/ Mon, 24 Jul 2023 17:19:13 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654885 Attacks against the Holy Quran persist in Denmark's capital, Copenhagen, as members of the marginalised group, Danish Patriots, known for their anti-Islamic and ultra-nationalist stance, burned two copies of the Quran on Monday, Anadolu Agency reports. The incidents took place in front of the Iranian Embassy and, later, in front of the Iraqi Embassy in Copenhagen. The group's members chanted slogans insulting Islam and showed disrespect by stepping on the Iranian flag and the Quran, which they threw on the ground before setting them on fire. They live-streamed the offensive moments on their social media accounts. The Danish Patriots claimed that their actions were a response to Iran's announcement of arresting and prosecuting members of their group and supporters. The […]]]> 654885 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230724-arab-league-body-calls-for-boycott-of-denmark-for-burning-quran/ Mon, 24 Jul 2023 11:17:37 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654758 The Speaker of the Arab Parliament, the legislative body of the Arab League, has denounced the burning of the Holy Qur'an by a right-wing group in Copenhagen on Friday, and called for a boycott of Denmark. The Danish foreign ministry condemned the incident on Saturday. "Denmark supports the right to protest but emphasises that it must remain peaceful," said the ministry. Adel bin Abd al-Rahman Al-Asoumi warned that such "irresponsible actions" provoke Muslims and fuel feelings of hatred, and threaten peaceful coexistence. He stressed that such acts cannot be justified and require a firm stance on the part of the international community, which should prevent any recurrence. He called on the Arab and Islamic world to boycott Denmark and not […]]]> 654758 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230723-iran-summons-danish-envoy-over-desecration-of-muslim-holy-book-in-copenhagen/ Sun, 23 Jul 2023 12:40:59 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654642 Iran on Saturday summoned Denmark's ambassador to Tehran over the most recent Quran burning in the country, local media reported, Anadolu reports. The Iranian Foreign Ministry summoned Jesper Vahr and conveyed Tehran's objections to the desecration of the Muslim holy book in Danish capital of Copenhagen. A ministry official emphasized that the act of burning sacred texts "can never be justified under the pretext of freedom of expression." It called for accountability for both the perpetrators and governments allowing such actions to take place.​​​​​​​ "We believe that if the Danish government had acted responsibly and effectively in the face of insults to Islamic sanctities, we would not have witnessed such an offensive act today," the official said. Vahr expressed regret […]]]> 654642 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230722-quran-burnings-free-speech-or-hate-speech/ Sat, 22 Jul 2023 07:30:56 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654396   A series of Quran burnings authorised by Swedish authorities sparked worldwide condemnation and mass protests in several Muslim-majority countries. These incidents also reignited the ongoing debate regarding the delicate balance between freedom of speech and protecting religious groups from acts that incite hatred or harm. In Sweden, freedom of assembly, expression and demonstration are constitutionally protected rights. This means that any individual in Sweden has the right to express their opinions, even if they are offensive or disrespectful to certain religious beliefs. Historically, Sweden had laws prohibiting blasphemy which were rooted in its close association with the church, but throughout the 20th century, Sweden gradually moved towards secularisation and blasphemy was decriminalised. Reintroducing a ban on the burning of […]]]> 654396 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230720-turkiye-issues-arrest-warrant-for-far-right-danish-politician-over-quran-burning/ Thu, 20 Jul 2023 13:10:32 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654138 A Turkish Court issued an arrest warrant for Rasmus Paludan, a far-right Danish leader, following his controversial act of burning a copy of the Quran in front of the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm, Anadolu Agency reports. The incident, which took place on 21 January, sparked outrage and condemnation across the Islamic world. The investigation launched by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office against Paludan on the charge of "publicly insulting the religious values" is ongoing. As part of the investigation, the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office requested Paludan's arrest to obtain a statement regarding the Quran burning incident. READ: 'Those who burn books will in the end burn people,' warn Jewish, Muslim communities in Sweden The Ankara 8th Criminal Court of […]]]> 654138 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230707-turkiye-in-contact-with-denmark-over-return-of-bronze-head-of-roman-emperor-severus/ Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:35:28 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=650489 Turkiye is in contact with officials in Denmark for the repatriation of a nearly 2,000-year-old portrait of a bronze statue of Roman Emperor, Septimius Severus, dating back to 145-211 AD, the Turkish Ambassador in Copenhagen said, Anadolu Agency reports. "I am in favour of resolving this issue amicably," Hakan Tekin, told Anadolu, referring to a possible repatriation of an ancient piece that was illegally taken out from the country in the 1960s and is now housed by Glyptotek Museum in Copenhagen. Tekin said that Turkiye had requested historical artefacts from three museums in Denmark, including the Glyptotek Museum, and that the statue head of the Emperor was among them. The torso of the head was among 12 artefacts that were […]]]> 650489 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230703-freedom-of-speech-is-used-in-the-west-to-cover-attacks-against-muslims/ Mon, 03 Jul 2023 10:30:42 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=648930 The burning of a copy of the Holy Qur'an in front of the Grand Mosque in Stockholm was not the first such incident in Sweden and it is unlikely to be the last. In January, for example, a Dutch man burned a copy of the Holy Book in front of the Turkish Embassy in the Swedish capital, in protest at Turkiye's rejection of Sweden's accession to NATO. This sparked a wave of anger among Muslims all over the world and prompted Turkiye to stick to its position on the issue of Sweden's membership of NATO. This latest attack on Muslim sanctities occurred on the day of Eid Al-Adha, the major Muslim holiday, with the approval of the country's president and […]]]> 648930 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230528-10-european-countries-call-on-israel-to-halt-demolition-of-palestinian-homes/ Sun, 28 May 2023 11:55:44 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=640212 Ten European countries have called on Israel to halt its policy of home demolitions and confiscation of Palestinian properties in the occupied West Bank, reports Anadolu Agency. The call came in a joint statement issued by the consulates general of Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, the UK, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland and the Office of the European Union Representative to the West Bank and Gaza. The statement called on "Israel, as the occupying power, to halt all confiscations and demolitions and to give unimpeded access to humanitarian organizations in the occupied West Bank including East Jerusalem." It also urged Tel Aviv to "return or compensate for all humanitarian items funded by the consortium of donors," in reference to Israel's demolition […]]]> 640212 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230527-eu-diplomatic-missions-call-on-israel-to-halt-west-bank-violations/ Sat, 27 May 2023 12:34:54 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=640141 European Diplomatic missions in Jerusalem on Friday called on the Israeli occupation to halt all confiscations and demolitions in the occupied West Bank. In a press statement, the consortium of missions urged: "Israel, as the occupying power, to halt all confiscations and demolitions and to give unimpeded access to humanitarian organisations in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem." Members of the consortium include the Consulates General of Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the UK, and the Representative Offices of Denmark, Finland, Germany and Ireland, as well as the Office of the European Union (EU) Representative to the West Bank and Gaza. The diplomatic missions called on Israel to: "Return or compensate for all humanitarian items funded by the […]]]> 640141 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230429-denmark-tightens-aliens-act-returns-refugees-but-pushes-eu-to-solve-largest-migration-flow-since-2016/ Sat, 29 Apr 2023 12:10:26 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=632190 The European Union (EU) is currently experiencing a migration flux reflecting 2016 levels, recording 330,000 new arrivals last year with no sign of decline. Meanwhile, EU countries have continuously failed to find and implement a common asylum system that can effectively manage this development and, instead, seen increasingly strict conditions for obtaining asylum in national policies across member states. Despite being the first signatory to the Refugee Convention in 1951, Denmark's asylum discourse has moved towards temporary protection schemes, pushing the Convention to its limit and even dabbling with outsourcing asylum responsibilities altogether. Between January and March this year, more than 400 migrants and refugees drowned in the Mediterranean. Frontex notes that 45 per cent of people are arriving via […]]]> 632190 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230420-eu-lawmakers-demand-obligatory-hosting-of-migrants-under-looming-overhaul/ Thu, 20 Apr 2023 16:11:37 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=630484 European Union lawmakers voted on Thursday to require member countries to host some of the refugees and migrants coming to the bloc at times of high arrivals, part of a fiercely contested reform due ahead of a 2024 pan-European election, Reuters reports. The European Parliament adopted its position on the looming reform of the bloc's migration and asylum rules ahead of negotiating its final form with the 27 EU member states that have long been split over the so-called obligatory relocations. Countries, including Poland and Hungary, refuse to host any of the new arrivals while others, including Italy and France – where people from the Middle East and Africa arrive on smugglers' boats across the Mediterranean Sea – say they […]]]> 630484 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230414-turkiye-strongly-condemns-another-attack-on-muslim-holy-book-turkish-flag-in-denmark/ Fri, 14 Apr 2023 18:42:23 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=629200 Turkiye, on Friday, strongly condemned the recurrence of a "vile attack" on the Muslim Holy Book, the Quran, and a Turkish flag in Denmark, Anadolu News Agency reports. "It is unacceptable to allow these vile attacks under the guise of freedom of expression," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement, pointing out that the act was allowed despite several warnings by Ankara. Danish Ambassador, Danny Annan, was summoned to the Ministry and Turkiye's stance on the issue was conveyed to him, the statement said. The Ministry stressed that Turkiye will continue its efforts, both on multilateral platforms and at the bilateral level, against such "vile attacks" and "hate crimes". Such incidents are examples of the alarming increase in Islamophobia […]]]> 629200 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230407-swedish-police-appeal-court-ruling-allowing-quran-burning-protests/ Fri, 07 Apr 2023 08:22:40 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=627126 Sweden's police said Thursday that they had appealed a court ruling which overturned a police decision to stop two demonstrations where protesters planned to burn the Muslim holy book the Quran, reports Anadolu Agency. "The police authority believes that the principles of the issue are important and it is therefore urgent that it is examined by a higher court," the police said in a statement. In February, Stockholm police refused to grant permission for two Quran burning attempts after far-right Danish politician Rasmus Paludan burned a copy of the Quran outside the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm in January with police protection and permission from Swedish authorities. The police cited security concerns to block those two demonstrations. However, the Stockholm Administrative […]]]> 627126 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230331-turkiye-strongly-condemns-repeated-attack-on-muslim-holy-book-turkish-flag-in-denmark/ Fri, 31 Mar 2023 16:34:03 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=625657 Turkiye on Friday strongly condemned the recurrence of a "vile attack" on the Muslim Holy Book, the Quran, and a Turkish flag in Denmark, Anadolu News Agency reports. "We condemn in the strongest terms that the hate crime committed in Denmark on 24 March against our Holy Book, the Quran, and our glorious flag was allowed to be perpetrated again on 31 March in Ramadan," said a Turkish Foreign Ministry statement. Saying that the Danish Ambassador, Danny Annan, was summoned to the Ministry, Ankara informed that diplomat that "we strongly condemn and protest this vile attack". READ: Far-right politician Paludan burns Quran in front of Turkiye Embassy in Denmark "We, once again, firmly call on Danish authorities to take necessary […]]]> 625657 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230327-turkiye-condemns-desecration-of-quran-turkish-flag-in-denmark/ Mon, 27 Mar 2023 18:19:45 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=624876 Ankara denounced the desecration of the Quran and the Turkish flag in Denmark, the second such instance in the country this year. The incident, late Friday, was a hate crime, the Foreign Ministry said, stressing that Turkiye will never accept such "vile actions being allowed under the guise of freedom of expression". "This act, which was carried out in (the holy Islamic month of) Ramadan has, once again, clearly revealed that Islamophobia, discrimination and xenophobia have reached an alarming level in Europe, and that no lessons have been learned from the past," it added. READ: Turkiye leaves door open to Swedens NATO bid: Turkish presidential spokesperson]]> 624876 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230322-the-eu-and-israels-right-wing-coalition-memo-in-conversation-with-rasmus-alenius-boserup/ Wed, 22 Mar 2023 16:00:23 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=618896 Join us for a conversation with Executive Director of EuroMed Rights Rasmus Alenius Boserup as we discuss how the EU and European member states have reacted to the far-right Israeli government and how the bloc could act. Boserup previously worked as senior researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies focusing on power and politics in the Middle East and North Africa. Prior to this, he served as Executive Director of the Danish-Egyptian Dialogue Institute in Cairo. He holds a doctoral degree in culture and civilisation from École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales in Paris and a PhD in Arabic Studies from the University of Copenhagen. MORE >>> MEMO in Conversation With]]> 618896 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230320-far-right-danish-politician-paludan-denied-entry-to-uk-for-quran-burning-act/ Mon, 20 Mar 2023 17:07:00 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=623337 Britain, on Monday, said far-right Danish politician, Rasmus Paludan, will be denied entry to the UK to carry out a provocative act of burning a copy of the Muslim holy book, Anadolu News Agency reports. Responding to a question by Wakefield Labour MP, Simon Lightwood, Home Office Minister for Security, Tom Tugendhat, said Paludan had been added to a "warnings index" and would not be allowed into the country to carry out a Quran burning. "Far-right Islamophobic Danish politician, Rasmus Paludan, said he's going to travel from Denmark to Wakefield for the sole purpose of burning a Quran in a public place," Lightwood said, as he was asking a question to home office ministers at the House of Commons. "Mr. […]]]> 623337 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230318-denmark-deems-syria-province-safe-for-returning-refugees-worrying-unhcr/ Sat, 18 Mar 2023 08:51:15 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=623007 The Danish Refugee Appeals Board, on Friday, deemed it safe for Syrian refugees to return to Latakia province in the western part of the country, raising concerns at the UN Refugee Agency, Reuters reports. When the Danish Immigration Service decides to take away a refugee's residency permit, the case automatically goes to the Appeals Board, the highest authority in asylum cases in Denmark, for consideration. The province of Latakia, a stronghold of the Bashar Al Assad government bordering the Mediterranean Sea, has not seen the same amount of combat as central and eastern provinces. The Appeals Board said in a statement that improved security in the province made it safe for refugees to return. READ: Denmark rejects demand for parliamentary debate on […]]]> 623007 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230301-denmark-rejects-demand-for-parliamentary-debate-on-hijab-ban-in-schools/ Wed, 01 Mar 2023 14:51:01 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=618868 The Danish government has rejected a far-right political party's demand for a parliamentary debate on imposing a ban on headscarves in schools, Anadolu News Agency reports. Immigration Minister, Kaare Dybvad Bek, said in a written comment on Tuesday that the proposed ban would be contrary to the Danish law and the country's global commitments. "It is the legal assessment the proposal to ban Islamic headscarves in primary schools cannot be implemented within the framework of the Constitution and Denmark's international obligations," he noted. However, the Immigration Minister, despite rejecting the far-right's proposal, said Denmark faces "serious challenges with negative social control and oppression of young girls in certain environments." READ: Calls for Muslims in Europe to #CheckTheLabel and boycott Israel […]]]> 618868 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230203-turkiye-summons-nine-western-envoys-over-security-alerts/ Fri, 03 Feb 2023 09:00:42 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=611625 Turkiye summoned ambassadors of nine Western countries, including the United States and Sweden, on Thursday to criticise their decision to temporarily shut diplomatic missions and issue security alerts following Quran-burning incidents in Europe, Reuters reported. The envoys of Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Britain were also summoned, according to Foreign Ministry sources in Ankara. Over the last two weeks, far-right activists burned copies of the Muslim holy book, the Quran, in Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands, acts that prompted Turkiye to halt negotiations meant to lift its objections to Sweden and Finland joining NATO. Turkish Interior Minister, Suleyman Soylu, accused the embassies of waging "a new psychological war" against Turkiye on the same day Ankara had set […]]]> 611625 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230201-allowing-quran-burning-in-sweden-denmark-threatens-other-religious-groups-rights-defender/ Wed, 01 Feb 2023 18:06:28 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=611397 Granting permission for far-right Danish politician, Rasmus Paludan, to burn Islam's holy book, the Quran, in Sweden and Denmark on the grounds of "a democratic right" and "freedom of expression" stokes the distrust in the society and worries other religious groups, according to a Swedish rights activist, Anadolu News Agency reports. Helene Sejlert, a political scientist and human rights defender, told Anadolu that Paludan's anti-Islamic acts are causing more problems and put more people in danger. "His actions are spoon-feeding racism, Islamophobia and anti-Semitism. If the law can't stop that, there's clearly something wrong with the law!" Sejlert said. His actions are harming so many, she said. "Large (different) groups are now scared of just saying that they are Muslims […]]]> 611397 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230201-turkiye-president-rules-out-backing-sweden-joining-nato-unless-it-ends-attacks-on-quran/ Wed, 01 Feb 2023 16:59:04 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=611320 Turkiye rules out green lighting Sweden joining NATO as long as it permits attacks on Islam's holy book, the Quran, the country's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday. "We will not say yes to (Sweden's) entry into NATO as long as you allow our holy book, the Quran, to be burned, torn apart, and to be done with (the approval of) your security personnel," Erdogan said, referring to the recent burning of a Quran in Stockholm, the capital, Anadolu News Agency reports. "We closely follow developments regarding NATO's enlargement process. Our view on Finland is positive, but not on Sweden," he said, signalling a willingness to support Finland's NATO bid separately from Sweden's. READ: Is Europe's pseudo-religious 'freedom of […]]]> 611320 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230131-turkiye-prosecutors-launch-probe-into-quran-burning-danish-dutch-politicians/ Tue, 31 Jan 2023 18:19:20 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=611184 Turkish prosecutors, on Tuesday, launched an investigation into Islamophobic Danish and Dutch politicians on charges of hurting public enmity and insulting religious values, Anadolu News Agency reports. The move came after Danish-Swedish extremist, Rasmus Paludan, last week burned copies of the Quran on two separate occasions, first outside the Turkish Embassy in Sweden and then, later, in front of a mosque in Denmark. Paludan also said he would burn the Muslim holy book every Friday until Sweden is admitted to the NATO alliance. Edwin Wagensveld, a far-right Dutch politician and leader of the Islamophobic group, Pegida, also tore out pages from a copy of the Quran in The Hague and then burned its torn-out pages in a pan, as posted […]]]> 611184 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230131-does-denmark-have-an-islamophobia-problem-that-it-does-not-like-to-admit/ Tue, 31 Jan 2023 16:18:15 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=611162 A wave of deep sorrow, regret and anger swept across the Muslim world after extremist Danish-Swedish politician, Rasmus Paludan, last week burned copies of the Quran outside mosques and the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm. Under police protection, the far-right provocateur, infamous for his Islamophobic views, torched the Holy Book and announced that he will keep repeating this act until Sweden is admitted into the NATO alliance, something it has sought amid Russia's war on Ukraine. "This mosque has no place in Denmark," said Paludan in a live stream on his Facebook page, while being protected by riot police personnel. The Muslim world protested, and Turkiye condemned the action, asking pointedly why the "Islam-hating charlatan" Paludan was permitted to burn the […]]]> 611162 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230130-swedens-hypocrisy-could-cost-it-nato-membership-warns-erdogan/ Mon, 30 Jan 2023 14:45:28 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=610954 Sweden is one of the largest countries in Europe in terms of land mass, but it has a relatively small population of around ten million. It is generally regarded as being the best place to live in a league of 198 nations when it comes to freedom and quality of life. With indomitable citizens like 20-year-old Greta Thunberg, the Swedish environmental activist who is known for challenging world leaders to take immediate action on climate issues, Sweden enjoys a reputation for unrivalled levels of freedom of expression, environmental performance and happiness levels. Moreover, it ranks "high" for migrant acceptance. The only aspect about which Sweden is ranked negatively is the country's cost of living, which is "very high". However, it […]]]> 610954 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230130-denmarks-muslims-act-rationally-to-quran-burning-provocation/ Mon, 30 Jan 2023 10:50:36 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=610840 READ: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait demand European action on Quran burning]]> 610840 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230129-saudi-arabia-kuwait-demand-european-action-on-quran-burning/ Sun, 29 Jan 2023 12:12:14 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=610625 Saudi Arabia and Kuwait on Saturday called for European action against the repeated burning of the Quran, Islam's holy book, reports Anadolu Agency. On Friday, Swedish-Danish politician Rasmus Paludan, the leader of the far-right Stram Kurs (Hard Line) Party, burned a copy of the Quran in front of a mosque in Denmark. The Islamophobic act came days after the far-right leader burned the Islamic book outside the Turkish Embassy in the Swedish capital, Stockholm, during a police-approved protest. In a statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry condemned the Quran burning as "a new provocation of the feelings of millions of Muslims worldwide." READ: Turkish Foreign Minister, OIC Head discuss repeated attacks on Quran "These acts have been repeated in a number […]]]> 610625 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230127-far-right-politician-paludan-burns-quran-in-front-of-turkiye-embassy-in-denmark/ Fri, 27 Jan 2023 19:14:57 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=609765 Far-right Danish politician, Rasmus Paludan, committed another provocative act on Friday, burning a second copy of the Muslim holy book, the Quran, this time in front of the Turkish Embassy in Denmark, Anadolu News Agency reports. Paludan, the leader of the Danish far-right party, Stram Kurs (Hard Line), sought to make a statement to journalists before the provocation from a point across from the Embassy, ​​under police protection. Police at the scene harshly warned Turks and members of the press who were gathered in the area not to leave their positions, but treated Paludan kindly. Numerous police officers were stationed in front of the Turkish Embassy during the provocation as part of the security measures taken by authorities. Some Turkish […]]]> 609765 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230127-turkish-foreign-minister-oic-head-discuss-repeated-attacks-on-quran/ Fri, 27 Jan 2023 17:11:40 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=609755 The Turkish Foreign Minister and the Head of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), on Friday, discussed recent repeated attacks on the Muslim holy book, the Quran, Anadolu News Agency reports. In a phone call, Mevlut Cavusoglu, and OIC Secretary-General, Hussein Ibrahim Taha, evaluated the attacks on the holy Quran in Sweden and the Netherlands, and the Islamic world's reactions to these attacks, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. On 21 January, Rasmus Paludan, an extreme-right Swedish-Danish politician, burned a copy of the holy Quran outside the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm, under police protection and with permission from the authorities, drawing a wave of condemnations from across the Arab and Islamic worlds . The next day, Edwin Wagensveld, a […]]]> 609755 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230124-41-kuwait-mps-call-to-boycott-sweden-over-extremists-burning-of-holy-quran/ Tue, 24 Jan 2023 19:51:25 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=609391 As many as 41 Kuwaiti lawmakers condemned, on Tuesday, the burning of a copy of the Holy Quran by Swedish-Danish right-wing extremist Stram Kurs Party leader, Rasmus Paludan, in the Swedish capital, Stockholm, and called to boycott all countries that do not respect Muslims sanctities, Kuwaiti Al-Anbaa newspaper reported. The lawmakers said, in a joint statement, that these practices provoke the feelings of Muslims around the world. They also condemned the Swedish government for granting permission to carry out the act and appealed to all parliamentarians in the world to boycott the Swedish government and all governments that do not respect Muslims' sacred values, stressing that these practices "do not undermine the sanctity of the Quran in the heart of […]]]> 609391