Sweden requires vigilance overseas after Quran desecrations and protests

COPENHAGEN – A senior Swedish official mentioned Monday Swedes overseas and companies linked to Sweden“should observe increased vigilance and caution,” following current Quran burnings within the nation and protests within the Muslim world.

Henrik Landerholm, Sweden’s Nationwide Safety Adviser, mentioned there are indicators of “a heightened threat” to the country and to Swedish interests abroad, adding the security situation has worsened.

In a statement, Landerholm said that “representatives of terrorist groups have called for attacks against Sweden. States and other actors have helped amplify such messages.” He mentioned Sweden has gone from being thought of a “legitimate” goal to being a “priority” goal. The assertion didn’t establish these concerned.

Landerholm mentioned there additionally have been ”indications” that teams are planning different acts in opposition to Swedish pursuits overseas, and cited the storming of Sweden’s Embassy in Baghdad final month and an tried assault on the diplomatic mission in Beirut final week.

The Swedish authorities and related authorities ”are monitoring developments, taking quite a lot of measures and dealing intently with worldwide companions to guard Swedes and Swedish pursuits overseas and to counteract the hate messages being unfold about Sweden,” he said,

This month, Sweden stepped up border controls and identity checks at crossing points.

A recent string of public Quran desecrations by a handful of anti-Islam activists in Sweden — and more recently in neighboring Denmark — has sparked angry demonstrations in Muslim countries.

Sweden does not have a law specifically prohibiting the burning or desecration of the Quran or other religious texts. Like many Western countries, it doesn’t have any blasphemy laws; Sweden’s were abandoned in the 1970s.

The right to hold public demonstration s is protected by the Swedish Constitution. Police generally give permission based on whether they believe a public gathering can be held without major disruptions or risks to public safety.

Swedish officials repeatedly have condemned the desecrations and have also debunked claims that the government in Sweden grants permission for people to burn Islam’s sacred text or other religious books,

Final month, the Scandinavian nation’s home safety service SAPO mentioned the general safety scenario has deteriorated and mentioned the chance of terrorism in Sweden stays at an elevated degree.