The West loves to pride itself as being the beacon of civilisation, freedom and democracy.  In a secular country, they boast, all civilians regardless of being male or female are treated as equal citizens with rights to believe in any religion they choose fit.  In Sweden, it appears, this is the case, except for Muslims. 

Sweden is pandering to Far Right Extremism under the guise of free speech. If the leaders actually read the Quran – now there’s a thought – instead of burning it, they might find that it actually commands Muslims not to force non-Muslims to become Muslims and respect those of other faiths.  It seems like we need to teach Europeans the true meaning of freedom.

The burning of the Quran was not and will never be free speech.  It is a clear provocation towards Muslims only. Under the guise of freedom of speech, can you burn the Torah in front of the Israeli embassy? A reprehensible action which would be offensive to us all.

This is not about one irrelevant man trying to make a name for himself.  This is about White Supremacy in Europe and the rise of Islamophobia. Yes, what Sweden is allowing is for Islamophobia to be celebrated openly so that Muslims are further ostracised.   

Turkiye called out this act of provocation a ‘vile act’ which was ‘completely unacceptable’.  Turkiye as a member of NATO has the power of a veto vote on any new potential members wishing to join NATO.  Sweden, who has desires to join NATO, should have thought long and hard about the potential repercussions of their foolish actions.

In order to defend our equal rights, Muslims need to create and leverage influence by countering the narratives that legitimise Islamophpobia.

The problem with what happened in Sweden was that although this heinous act was done by a Far Right extremist, the Muslims living in Sweden have not successfully exposed the false narrative of “freedom of speech” that would stop future attacks on the Quran happening again.

Unless we stand united, as brothers and sisters, attacks like this will continue.  It’s time we take a stand and say enough is enough!  Time to get organised.  Join MPACUK today, and tell the Far Right “No!”.