Sweden: Trial begins for far-right Danish-Swedish politician over Qur’an burnings

Rasmus Paludan, the leader of the far-right Danish Stram Kurs party, began trial in Sweden on charges of incitement against an ethnic group and insult, making him the first individual prosecuted in connection with Qur’an burnings, Arab News reported yesterday.

The charges stem from public gatherings in 2022 and 2023, where Paludan allegedly made inflammatory statements that incited violence, notably leading to riots in cities like Malmö, which has a significant Muslim population.

In April 2022, his comments reportedly incited unrest, while a separate incident in September 2022 involved derogatory remarks against “Arabs and Africans,” resulting in an insult charge that could lead to six months in prison. His January 2023 Qur’an burning outside the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm heightened diplomatic tensions and delayed Sweden’s NATO membership bid.

Paludan, who appeared via video link for safety reasons, has denied all charges. Legal experts, including Vilhelm Persson from Lund University, emphasize the trial’s importance as a landmark case regarding Qur’an burnings, though a ruling from the Swedish supreme court is needed to set a legal precedent.