Followers of Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr stormed the Swedish Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq on July 20, 2023, in protest against the burning of the Quran in Stockholm. The incident has led to a diplomatic dispute between Iraq and Sweden, resulting in the expulsion of the Swedish ambassador and the recall of the charge d’affaires in Sweden.
Suspension of Working Permits
In response to the tensions, Iraq has suspended working permits for Swedish businesses, including telecom giant Ericsson. The move further escalates the situation between the two countries.
Protest and Storming of the Swedish Embassy
The protest was triggered by news that an Iraqi Christian refugee, Salwan Momika, was given permission by Swedish police to burn a Quran for a second time in Stockholm, after having done so outside a Stockholm mosque in June. Protesters in Baghdad partially destroyed a book claimed to be the Quran during their storming of the embassy but left the area without setting it on fire.
Strong Condemnation and Custody
The storming of the embassy was strongly condemned by Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom, who deemed it “completely unacceptable.” Iraqi authorities have taken 20 people into custody in connection with the attack.
Iraq’s Response
Late on Thursday, Iraq’s Prime Minister, Mohammad Shia al-Sudani, requested the Swedish ambassador to leave the country. The prime minister’s office attributed this action to Sweden’s alleged “repeated permission for the burning of the Quran” and disrespect towards Islamic sanctities.
This developing situation has drawn international attention, and both countries are now facing the challenge of resolving the escalating diplomatic row.
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