The Administrative Court of Stockholm, 4 April, has lifted the ban by the Police Department on the organization of demonstrations with the burning of the holy book for Muslims. This is stated in a published press release.
“The Administrative Court does not consider that the circumstances that formed the basis of the police directorate’s decision in the two episodes in question were sufficient to deny permission. The decision of the police department is therefore reversed,” the document explains.
Organisers of two Quran burnings in front of the Turkish and Iraqi embassies in Stockholm approached the police in early February. However, following a recommendation from the Swedish Security Police, the police department refused permission for the organisers, as such actions had previously caused threats against the country and new Quran burnings would have seriously increased the risk of further terrorist attacks. This decision has been criticised by a number of lawyers, who believe that the law does not give the police the right to take such actions.
Under the Public Order Act, refusal to issue permits for public rallies can only take place when it is necessary in terms of security and order in connection with a particular demonstration.
On 21 January, Rasmus Paludan, leader of the right-wing extremist hardline party, publicly burned a Koran in front of the Turkish diplomatic mission. In his speech, he criticised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and also displayed a caricature of the Prophet Muhammad.
In April 2022, police prevented Paludan from holding a Quran burning ceremony in Norrköping. The Court of Appeals that heard the case also ruled that the police decision was wrong because the Public Order Act does not give them the power to cancel meetings simply because there has been some kind of disturbance before or is likely to occur if the event takes place.
The Administrative Court has 10 days to appeal against the decision. The police intend to uphold the ban.
“Our decision was made correctly,” said police spokesman Ola Esterling.
1,934 total views, 2 views today
