June 30, (THEWILL) – The High-Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC), Miguel Moratinos, has condemned the burning of pages of the holy Quran on Wednesday, in front of a mosque in the centre of Stockholm, Sweden.
In an action that sparked outrage and condemnation across the Muslim world, Salwan Momika, 37, stomped on the Islamic holy book and set several pages on fire in front of the capital city’s largest mosque on Wednesday.
However, Moratinos in a statement issued on Thursday, his Spokesperson, Ms. Nihal Saad, noted that such a vile act is disrespectful to Muslims, who celebrated the holy occasion of Eid Al-Adha on that Wednesday.
He reiterated the importance of upholding freedom of expression as a fundamental human right.
Moratinos stressed that the desecration of sacred books and places of worship, as well as religious symbols, is unacceptable and can lead to incitement of violence.
He reiterated that mutual respect is essential for building and promoting just, inclusive and peaceful societies, rooted in human rights and dignity for all.
In this context, Moratinos recalled the United Nations Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites, led by the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations, which provided an overarching framework and a set of recommendations including strengthening religious pluralism and promoting mutual respect and human dignity.
