In a heightening row over perceived anti-Muslim demonstrations in Stockholm, Iraq has severed diplomatic ties with Sweden and suspended the license of Ericsson AB. Additionally, Baghdad has ordered Sweden's envoy to leave the country. This decision comes on the heels of angry protesters storming and setting fire to the Swedish embassy in Baghdad. The protesters claimed they were responding to an upcoming demonstration in Stockholm, where the burning of a Koran was expected. Many of the protesters in Baghdad carried banners supporting Iran, which holds significant influence over Iraq.
Sweden has confirmed the safety of its embassy staff in Baghdad and condemned the incident as "completely unacceptable." The United States has also voiced its disapproval of the attack. Iraqi security forces intervened, dispersing the protesters, while firefighters extinguished the blaze. The Swedish embassy is situated near the Green Zone in Baghdad, which houses government ministries and foreign diplomatic missions.
Meanwhile, reports from Stockholm indicate that a protester stomped on a Koran instead of burning it. The individual was promptly escorted away by the police. The Swedish government has previously criticized such acts of desecration. Police in Sweden have consistently denied permits for demonstrations involving the burning or desecration of the holy book, citing national security concerns. However, the country's courts have overturned these decisions, prioritizing freedom of speech unless there is an immediate threat to public safety.
These demonstrations and incidents are straining Sweden's relationships with other Muslim-majority nations. Turkey, for instance, took months to accept Sweden's entry into NATO, partially due to protests of this nature, and has yet to ratify the accession.
Violent protests against the burning of the Koran have been witnessed in various countries over the years. Last year, Iraq and other nations experienced demonstrations following the setting alight of a copy of the Quran in Sweden and the tearing of another in the Netherlands.