The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has condemned the provocative actions of burning copies of the Holy Qur'an during anti-Muslim demonstrations, which have been taking place in Linköping, Norrköping, and other cities in Sweden. Secretary General of the OIC Hissein Brahim Taha stated that the rallies, which were organized by the Danish Right-Wing Party Stram Kurs, had further substantiated the Muslim world's concerns of the alarming trend of Islamophobia perpetuated by extreme right supporters. The secretary general said that the event was a clear manifestation of the racist and xenophobic mindset of the organizers and that their action went against all accepted norms and values of civilized society. The secretary general reiterated his conviction that the provocative event does not reflect the views of the majority of Swedish and European citizens. In Makkah, the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has condemned the deliberate abuse of the Holy Qur'an by some extremists in Sweden. In a statement, the General Presidency explained that such abuses, absurd and barbaric behavior do not prejudice the dignity and sanctity of the Holy Qur'an, the highest stature and status of which God Almighty has preserved. The statement, stressed categorical rejection of whatever would tamper with the sanctities of Muslims and cause any abuse of Islamic Shariah. — SPA
