MUI Condemns Burning of Quran in Sweden

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) condemns and deplores the burning of the Quran during a protest in front of the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden.

“Strongly condemn and profoundly deplores the actions by the far-right extremist group led by Rasmus Paludan. Paludan and his group have done this several times," said the head of MUI Foreign Relations and International Cooperation, Sudarnoto Abdul Hakim in a statement in Jakarta, Monday.

He stated the action that occurred some time ago is the cause that led to the conflict in several locations in Sweden. Not only was it a very shameful act, said Sudarnoto, but it was also uncivilized.

"Paludan and these extreme groups are 'uncivilized' groups and an enemy to all right-minded people," he said.

He said Paludan and his group deliberately continued to spread xenophobia, racism and Islamophobia.

"This group has committed a serious violation of the principle to respect and uphold religious rights," he said.

Sweden should already become a nation that upholds religious rights and freedom for every citizen with legal and political assurance. For this reason, the government should take a firm effort toward action by Paludan and all those who condone the actions of the extremist group.

If left ignored, extremism and Islamophobia may continue to spread and endanger humanity everywhere.

"However, I am quite concerned, even though this has been done several times, the Swedish government has not taken any firm action against Paludan. This is the same as the (Swedish) government condoning Islamophobia and contradicting the UN decision to fight Islamophobia," he said.

He requested the Swedish Ambassador to Indonesia to provide an open explanation regarding this case and pledged to take action and stop all forms of extremism.

"In addition, I suppose the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs should make a diplomatic appeal to the Swedish Ambassador in Jakarta. Give notice to the Swedish Ambassador that the perpetrators are to be punished and the Swedish government must act in good faith to oppose Islamophobia. Don't let these good relations between Sweden and Indonesia be disrupted because this case is allowed to go unchecked," he said.

ANTARA | IMAJI LASAAHIDO (INTERN)

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