MOSCOW (Agencies): The Council for Interethnic Relations, operating under the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, has issued a statement denouncing the desecration of the holy Quran, a sacred text for Muslims, in Stockholm. The council stands in solidarity with the sentiments expressed by Muslim nations and religious communities against this offensive act.
The statement addresses the reprehensible incident involving the desecration of the Quran in Stockholm, Sweden. Notably, this act was carried out with the approval of local and state authorities, a deeply troubling aspect of the incident. This is not an isolated occurrence, as previous incidents of a similar nature have also transpired in Sweden, disregarding the rights and dignity of believers and violating their religious freedoms. The incident is further exacerbated by its occurrence during the significant Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha.
The council emphasizes that members of the Russian Federation have consistently voiced their stance against such acts of disrespect. This includes condemnation of anti-Islamic actions in both the Netherlands and Sweden, as well as a strong condemnation of Quran desecration in a previous statement related to believers’ rights in Ukraine.
The Council for Interethnic Relations firmly aligns itself with the sentiments of Muslim nations and religious communities in condemning the blasphemous act committed in Stockholm. It also denounces the anti-Muslim position adopted by the authorities of the Kingdom of Sweden and other Western countries. Such behavior contradicts the principles of a multipolar world order that respects the values and beliefs of the global majority. Acts that offend religious sensibilities undermine the freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, and contribute to the spread of inter-religious animosity.
The statement highlights the shared anti-Muslim sentiment exhibited by the authorities of Sweden and echoed by certain elements within the European Union. This perspective stands in contrast to the values of tolerance and understanding that are integral to a harmonious world.
The Council for Interethnic Relations and Interaction with Religious Associations calls upon foreign parliaments and international parliamentary bodies to openly condemn radical actions and those who support them. It urges these entities to take proactive measures to safeguard the rights and feelings of believers and their freedom of religion.