The U.S. Strongly Condemns the Attack on the Swedish Embassy in Baghdad

On Thursday, the U.S. Department of State issued a statement strongly condemning the attack on the Swedish embassy in Baghdad. The statement reads: "The freedom of peaceful assembly is a hallmark of democracy, but what happened last night was an illegal violent act." The U.S. diplomatic apparatus further clarified in its statement: "It is unacceptable that Iraqi security forces did not take action to prevent protesters from attacking the Swedish embassy grounds for the second time and causing damage to it." The U.S. Department of State, while referring to its contact with the Swedish government and support for this country, urged the Iraqi government to adhere to its international commitments to protect diplomatic premises from any assault and damage. Hundreds of supporters of Muqtada al-Sadr gathered on Thursday, July 29, in response to news of a new permit for burning the Quran in the Swedish capital, protesting in front of the embassy of that country in Baghdad and then attacking it. The Swedish Foreign Ministry condemned this act, stating in a statement that all embassy staff in Baghdad are safe and emphasized the need for Iraqi authorities to protect diplomatic missions. In this context, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry condemned the attack on the Swedish embassy and its burning, calling on Iraqi security forces to identify and arrest the perpetrators. Reuters noted that one of the two individuals who received permission to hold this event is a person who burned a copy of the Quran on July 7. This report refers to Selwan Momika, a 37-year-old Iraqi refugee who has resided in Sweden for several years. On July 7, he stomped on a copy of the Quran outside the main mosque in Stockholm and set several pages on fire. This act provoked reactions from Islamic countries, including the Islamic Republic, and several of these countries summoned Swedish ambassadors. Following these protests, the Swedish government condemned the burning of the Quran on July 11. However, the Swedish government emphasized the protection of the right to peaceful assembly, expression, and demonstration in the constitution of this country. The shadow of discussions regarding freedom of expression and respect for religious beliefs has weighed heavily on Swedish society in recent weeks. Since Swedish laws allow the burning of sacred texts, the authorities in this country have limited legal power to prevent such actions. A Muslim activist refrained from "burning the Torah and the Gospel" despite having permission. The issuance of a permit for "Torah burning" in Sweden; Netanyahu: "Sacred texts of all religions must be respected." Reactions to the burning of the Quran by an Iraqi refugee; Iran: "This is an example of extremism."