STOCKHOLM, Jan 22, 2023 (BSS/AFP) - Sweden's prime minister has condemned as 
"deeply disrespectful" the weekend burning of a Quran, the holy book of 
Muslims, in Stockholm, which has raised tensions with Turkey as the Nordic 
country courts Ankara over its NATO bid.

Far-right politician Rasmus Paludan set fire to a copy of the Muslim holy 
book on Saturday in front of Turkey's embassy in the Swedish capital.

Furious that Paludan had been permitted by Swedish police to carry out the 
protest, Ankara cancelled a visit by Sweden's defence minister and summoned 
Stockholm's ambassador.

Late on Saturday, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson tweeted: "Freedom of 
expression is a fundamental part of democracy. But what is legal is not 
necessarily appropriate. Burning books that are holy to many is a deeply 
disrespectful act."

"I want to express my sympathy for all Muslims who are offended by what has 
happened in Stockholm today."

Paludan's demonstration has further damaged relations as Stockholm tries to 
convince NATO member Turkey to approve Sweden and Finland joining the 
military alliance.

Sweden's bid has been stalled amid Ankara's demands that Stockholm hand over 
Kurdish activists and prevent rallies attacking Turkey's leadership.

Many Muslim countries said they were outraged by the burning of the Holy 
Quran on Saturday.

Morocco said it was "astonished" the authorities had allowed it to take place 
"in front of the Swedish forces of order".

Indonesia, the Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates also condemned it, 
as did the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Organisation of Islamic 
Cooperation.

Jakarta said "the act of blasphemy against the holy book has hurt and 
tarnished religious tolerance", adding that "freedom of expression must be 
exercised in a responsible manner".

Dozens of protesters gathered late Saturday in front of the Swedish consulate 
in Istanbul, where they burned a Swedish flag and called on Turkey to sever 
diplomatic ties with Stockholm.

Paludan, a Swedish-Danish activist who has already been convicted for racist 
abuse, provoked rioting in Sweden last year when he went on a tour of the 
country and publicly burned copies of the Quran.