By Janet Ekstract
ISTANBUL- Ever since a Swedish-Danish far right politician was given permission by the Swedish government to burn a Koran in front of the Turkish embassy, condemnations have poured in from Muslims, Christians and Jews in Turkiye and throughout the world to demonstrate solidarity in respecting religious rights. In addition, a Russian Foreign Ministry official sharply criticized NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg for his comments on the Koran burning in Stockholm. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that respect for religion “is an obligation not an option.” Zakharova condemned Stoltenberg’s view that burning the Koran was inappropriate but not illegal in Sweden.
Zakharova referenced international documents that require signatory countries to counteract acts of intolerance and discrimination, commenting: “These documents explicitly state that the right to freedom of expression does not imply the right to make critical or even disparaging statements about any religion or religious practice. Not to mention burning a book sacred to Muslims.” Zakharova accused the West of double standards when it comes to respect for religious freedom and viewpoints.
