Iraqi security forces dispersed a large group of demonstrators who forcefully entered the Swedish embassy in Baghdad, protesting against a planned Quran burning event authorized by police in Stockholm. Social media videos showed protesters inside the embassy's premises, with smoke and fire emanating from the building. Security forces used water cannons and electric batons to disperse the crowd and extinguish the fire. Protesters left the embassy after expressing their protest against the burning of the Quran. During the incident, some journalists covering the protests were detained, and one was reportedly assaulted. The detained journalists were later released. The incident reflects tensions and concerns over the freedom of expression and religious sensitivities.
Ziyad Al-Ajili, the head of the Journalistic Freedoms Observatory (JFO) based in Iraq, informed CNN that three photojournalists affiliated with international news agencies were detained by security forces, and another photojournalist was physically assaulted, resulting in his camera being destroyed.
CNN has sought a response from the Iraqi government regarding these incidents.
The planned protest in Sweden occurred later on Thursday outside the Iraqi embassy in Stockholm. It was organized by Salwan Momika, an Iraqi national residing in Sweden, who had previously burned a copy of the Quran outside a mosque in Stockholm last month during the Muslim holiday of Eid-al-Adha. His solo act had caused outrage in Iraq and worldwide.
As per videos observed by CNN, no Qurans were burned during Thursday's protest. However, footage showed two protesters partially destroying a Quran through kicking, and Salwan Momika stepping on a Quran and using it to polish his shoes, along with a picture of the Iraqi flag.
According to a spokesperson from the Stockholm police, there were two individuals present with a permit for the protest, and approximately 150 others, mainly reporters, were in attendance.
According to AFP, the Swedish police have emphasized that they only issue permits for individuals to hold public gatherings and do not authorize or endorse the specific activities carried out during these gatherings.
Tensions escalated between Swedish and Iraqi authorities amid the protests, with Baghdad issuing a threat to sever diplomatic relations with Stockholm due to the state-sanctioned Quran-burning demonstrations.
The Iraqi prime minister's office criticized the granting of permission for the protests under the pretext of freedom of expression, stating that it was viewed as provocative and contrary to international covenants and norms, which emphasize respect for religions and beliefs.
Prior to that, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry had already condemned the attack on the Swedish embassy, denouncing it as part of a concerning pattern of assaults on diplomatic missions.
The Iraqi government convened an emergency meeting on Thursday to hand over the arrested individuals to the judiciary in Baghdad. They also stated that negligent security officials would be investigated and face appropriate legal actions.
Moqtada al Sadr, a prominent Iraqi Shiite cleric whose supporters were involved in the protests at the Swedish embassy, expressed his views on Sweden's actions, stating, "Sweden's hostility towards Islam and the holy books by giving permission to burn the Iraqi flag means Sweden doesn't believe in Iraq."
Sadr emphasized that the government should take more decisive actions than mere condemnation and denunciation, as he believes such responses indicate weakness and complacency.
Meanwhile, Swedish authorities have strongly condemned the demonstrations in Baghdad, labeling the actions of the protesters as "completely unacceptable."
Sweden's Foreign Minister, Tobias Billström, stated that Iraq's charge d'affaires in Stockholm has been summoned in response to the events that took place on Thursday.
Subsequently, Iraq recalled its chargé d'affaires from the Iraqi embassy in Stockholm and asked the Swedish ambassador in Baghdad to leave the country, according to a statement from an Iraqi government spokesperson.
Sweden's embassy staff in Baghdad are reported to be safe amid the protests outside the building, as confirmed by the foreign ministry's press office in an email response to CNN.
"We condemn all attacks on diplomats and staff from international organizations. Attacks on embassies and diplomats constitute a serious violation of the Vienna Convention. Iraqi authorities have the responsibility to protect diplomatic missions and diplomatic staff," the foreign ministry's statement read.
The European Union also echoed Sweden's condemnation of the attack in Iraq, expressing hope for a swift resolution to normalize relations between both countries.
As a response to the demonstration in Stockholm, Iraq suspended the license of Swedish telecom giant Ericsson in the country.
%20(1)-Photoroom.png)