Despite Turkish opposition, the politician’s action went ahead, but it took place under strict police surveillance. About a hundred people witnessed the burning of the Koran, many of them journalists. While Paludan burned the book, he gave a nearly hour-long monologue on Islam and immigration. A small pro-Turkish protest was held on the other side of the embassy. There was no confrontation between the two groups.
controversial figure
The Danish-Swedish Paludan is a controversial figure who, for example, believes that Islam should be banned. Riots broke out all over Sweden last April because Paludan organized rallies where he wanted to burn Qurans.
The Swedish ambassador to Turkey had to report on Friday due to the burning of the Koran. Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government has also ended next week’s visit by Sweden’s defense minister.
NATO problems
The two countries have been at odds for months since Turkey prevented Sweden and Finland from joining NATO. Ankara stipulates that Sweden extradite up to 130 people whom Turkey sees as Kurdish terrorists or who are allegedly involved in a coup attempt in 2016. The Swedish defense minister hoped to smooth out any wrinkles with his visit next week.