Sweden jails activist who burned Quran for inciting hatred

2 years ago by MicroWave to c/world

Far-right activist Rasmus Paludan caused outrage when he burned a copy of the Quran in 2022. A judge said his actions went beyond reasonable criticism of Islam and were intended to defame Muslims.

Summary

A Swedish court sentenced far-right activist Rasmus Paludan to four months in jail for inciting hatred against Muslims after he burned a Quran at two protests in Malmo in 2022.

The court ruled that Paludan’s remarks and actions went beyond permissible criticism of Islam, aiming instead to insult and defame Muslims, Arabs, and Africans. Paludan, a dual citizen of Sweden and Denmark, plans to appeal the verdict.

His Quran burnings previously strained Sweden’s relations with Turkey, complicating Sweden’s bid to join NATO.

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TheHobbyist 29 points 2 years ago

Not familiar with the guy himself who maybe does deserve criticism and prison, but about the Quran burning, is it genuinely fair to sentence someone to prison for that? Is it equivalent to burning the cross? The Swedish flag? I might be mission a broader context, but I don't feel like someone burning my symbol or flag should be punished with prison. Am I alone? I would hate it, don't get me wrong, but I still feel it goes in freedom of expression.

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snue 13 points 2 years ago

he crossed the line of freedom of expression a long time ago. I'm from Denmark just like he is, and I can say he spurred hatred far beyond what freedom of expression should allow. What he does is harassment.

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