Quran Burning in Europe; Iran Summons Swedish and Danish Envoys Separately

On Sunday, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the chargé d'affaires of Sweden and then Denmark in Tehran to protest the burning of copies of the Quran in these two countries. Anti-Islam activists in Denmark and Sweden have burned or damaged copies of the Quran in recent months, provoking anger among some Muslims. According to Reuters, the governments of both countries condemned the burning of the Quran and stated that they are considering new laws aimed at preventing such acts. The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that 'Iran holds the governments of Sweden and Denmark fully responsible for the serious consequences of disrespecting the Quran.' On Thursday, Sweden raised its terrorism alert level from 3 to 4 on a scale of one to five, stating that the threat of attacks following the Quran burning, which incited anger among Muslims and jihadist threats, has been neutralized. The Danish Foreign Minister also previously stated that his country is seeking to find 'legal tools' to use if the Quran burning has 'significant negative consequences for Denmark, especially in the security domain.' He said, 'This is not because we are under pressure to do this, but our political analysis is that it will be in everyone's interest. We cannot sit idly by until an explosion occurs.' Recent cases of 'Quran burning' in Europe; increased efforts to de-escalate tensions with Islamic countries. Despite protests, there is not enough political consensus in Sweden for a 'ban on burning the Quran.' Quran burning in Sweden | Terrorist alert level raised; several people arrested. Denmark tightens security measures at borders following recent Quran burnings. Two members of the 'Danish Patriots' burned a Quran in front of the Iraqi embassy.