Denmark charges two individuals under new Quran desecration law

Danish authorities charged two individuals on Friday under a recently enacted law prohibiting the public desecration of holy texts, including the Quran, media outlets reported.

This case marks the first use of the legislation, which came into effect in December 2023 following incidents of Quran burnings that drew condemnation from Muslim-majority countries.

The accused, whose identities remain undisclosed, allegedly engaged in “inappropriate treatment of a Quran” during a June festival. The actions were reportedly carried out publicly, witnessed by attendees, and broadcast live on Facebook, according to prosecutor Lise-Lotte Nilas.

The law bans the public burning, tearing, or defiling of holy texts, including acts filmed or disseminated widely. Violators face penalties of fines or up to two years in prison. Danish media reports that police are currently investigating eight cases under the law.

The legislation was introduced to curb incidents that have sparked international tensions, particularly in Denmark and neighboring Sweden.