Denmark Introduces Law Restricting Quran Desecration: Offenders Face Fine and 2-Year Imprisonment
The Parliament of Denmark has approved a new law that imposes restrictions on the desecration of the Quran. According to the law passed on Thursday, the act of burning the Quran will be considered a criminal offense in the country.
Denmark: The Parliament of Denmark has approved a new law that imposes restrictions on the desecration of the Quran. According to the law passed on Thursday, the act of burning the Quran will be considered a criminal offense in the country.
Recent months witnessed several anti-Islam protests in Denmark and Sweden, during which instances of Quran desecration occurred. Following these events, several countries exerted pressure on Denmark to impose restrictions on such actions.
Peter Hummelgaard, the Minister of Justice in Denmark, stated that since July, there have been more than 500 such incidents in the country where the Quran and Islamic flags were burned. He further emphasized that “such incidents can damage Denmark’s relations, interests, and security with other countries.”
In recent days, Denmark has been attempting to strike a balance between freedom of expression and criticism of religions, especially after incidents of Quran desecration escalated concerns about potential extremist attacks.
According to Reuters, critics from both Sweden and Denmark’s governments argue that restricting criticism of religions may cast a shadow over freedom of expression. The Danish government acknowledges that the new law might have an impact on freedom of expression but insists that restrictions on criticism of religions will still be in place.
The new law received 94 votes in favor and 77 against in the Danish Parliament. Violating the law will lead to fines and imprisonment for up to two years, as stated by the government.
