BREAKING: Protesters Set Fire to Swedish Embassy in Baghdad Following Burning of Quran in Sweden
Baghdad, Iraq – In a display of anger and outrage, protesters swarmed the Swedish embassy in the Iraqi capital after copies of the Quran were burned in Sweden. Demonstrators broke into the embassy compound and ignited a fire, causing chaos and destruction.
Videos circulating online depicted demonstrators waving flags and signs featuring Muqtada al-Sadr, a prominent Iraqi Shia religious and political leader. The images captured scenes of the chaotic events that unfolded early Thursday morning.
In response to the attack, Iraq’s foreign ministry denounced the embassy assault, pledging to launch an immediate investigation and enforce necessary security measures to hold the perpetrators accountable under the law. The Swedish foreign ministry confirmed that embassy staff members are safe, emphasizing the obligation of Iraqi authorities to safeguard diplomatic missions and their personnel.
The demonstration at the Swedish embassy was instigated by Sadr’s supporters to protest the planned burning of another Quran in Sweden. Pro-Sadr media outlets and a popular Telegram group linked to the influential leader were instrumental in mobilizing the protesters.
According to Swedish news agency TT, the Swedish police had previously granted permission for a public meeting outside the Iraqi embassy in Stockholm, where individuals intended to burn the Quran as well as the Iraqi flag. This news sparked further outrage among protesters, fueling the unrest and culminating in the attack on the embassy in Baghdad.
“We are mobilized today to denounce the burning of the Quran, which is all about love and faith,” stated protester Hassan Ahmed to the French news agency AFP. “We demand that the Swedish government and the Iraqi government stop this type of initiative,” he continued.
Witnesses on the scene reported skirmishes between Iraqi security forces and demonstrators, necessitating the presence of fire-fighting trucks to battle the blaze at the embassy.
Further updates on this developing situation will be provided soon.