Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
7 July 2023 | 00:00 CAT
4 min read

Photo Credit: The Peninsula Qatar

Sweden finds itself in a quandary as it grapples with the conflict between its dedication to free speech and its regard for the rights of religious minorities, sparked by an incident in which the Qur’an was burnt and the subsequent appeals for the authorisation to protest by destroying other religious sacred texts. 

During Eid al-Adha last week, a man burnt a Qur’an outside a Stockholm masjid resulting in extensive criticism from the Muslim world. Alongside other recent protests orchestrated by a far-right activist, it triggered a discussion in Sweden regarding the boundaries of free speech. Swedish authorities have recently disclosed that they have received requests from individuals who want to burn the Talmud and the Torah. As the controversy unfolds, authorities face complex decisions regarding granting permissions for such demonstrations. 

In an interview on Radio Islam International, Professor Emin Poljarević of Uppsala University in Sweden discussed the boundaries of expression and the challenges of protecting religious sensitivities while upholding the right to free speech. Professor Poljarević said that while burning books or religious material is considered offensive and disrespectful, it may still fall under protected speech unless it incites violence or hatred. He noted that the right to freedom of speech comes with responsibilities, and people are expected to consider the consequences of their actions. 

The granting of permissions for book burnings has raised concerns over inconsistencies in decision-making processes. As reports indicate, while authorities allowed and supported the Qur’an, requests to burn other sacred texts, such as the Torah or Bible, were denied. This apparent contradiction has left many questioning the fairness and equity in applying free speech principles.

To make matters worse, an individual applied for a permit for a counter-protest which involved burning a religious text, but the authorities prohibited it. The Israeli ambassador in Sweden, cognisant of the potential repercussions, tried to discourage such an act. The Jewish community in Sweden has also expressed opposition to the burning of the Quran, labelling it as an act of Islamophobia.

Police authorities, tasked with determining permissions for demonstrations, have faced challenges navigating the legal framework. In multiple instances during 2022, they denied requests to burn the Qur’an, citing security concerns from previous incidents, including Ramadan/April riots. However, their decisions were challenged in court, which rebuked the police, stating that they were infringing upon the principles of freedom of speech. Consequently, the police have had to reconsider their approach and ensure that permissions are granted based on the legal foundations of free speech while also considering potential risks of retaliation or attacks.

As Sweden grapples with these intricate issues, the nation finds itself torn between safeguarding the fundamental right of free speech and respecting the sensibilities of religious minorities. Striking a balance between these ideals remains a significant challenge as authorities navigate the legal framework, societal context, and potential security implications of granting book-burning permissions.

The ongoing debate underscores the importance of a nuanced understanding of freedom of speech, its limitations, and the responsibilities that come with it. As Sweden seeks to reconcile these competing interests, finding common ground that respects diverse perspectives while upholding fundamental rights remains crucial.

Professor Poljarević said that many individuals have expressed strong condemnation of the act. However, despite the disapproval, the act itself is not illegal in Sweden. The principles of freedom of speech, which form a cornerstone of Swedish society, extend to cover such controversial actions, allowing them to take place, even if they are widely regarded as morally or ethically objectionable.

The issue has generated differing opinions among those involved in the arts and culture sphere. On one side, some argue that moral or ethical reasons do not necessarily warrant the prohibition of book burnings. They advocate for preserving freedom of expression, regardless of the content or the offence it may cause. Conversely, others contend such acts should be prohibited, emphasising the need to safeguard religious sensitivities and prevent potential harm or incitement of violence.

Professor Boljaravić warns about the potential escalation of the situation. Allowing these acts to persist without addressing the underlying concerns and ramifications can contribute to an increasingly tense environment where sentiments and tensions between different communities may intensify.

The complex debate surrounding book burnings and the clash between freedom of speech and respect for religious minorities highlights the need for a thoughtful and nuanced approach. As Sweden grapples with finding a balance between these principles, engaging in open dialogue becomes crucial, considering the potential consequences and working towards a solution that respects both freedom of expression and the diversity of religious beliefs within the country.

Listen to the full interview with Junaid Kharsany on Sabahul Muslim here.