Erdoğan: We will teach arrogant Westerners that insulting Muslims is not freedom of expression
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan strongly condemned the burning of the Qur'an in front of a mosque on the first day of the Eid al-Adha in Sweden. Erdoğan stressed in his comments: "Not only the perpetrators of this heinous act, but also those who enable it under the pretext of freedom of thought and those who overlook it, will not succeed in their objectives. Arrogant Westerners will eventually learn that disrespecting the sacred values of Muslims does not fall under the realm of freedom of thought."
- Islamic World
- Agencies and A News
- Published Date: 11:04 | 30 June 2023
- Modified Date: 11:36 | 30 June 2023
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's reaction to the burning of the Quran in Sweden on the first day of Eid al-Adha reverberated around the world. He strongly condemned the act and the permission granted under the pretext of freedom of expression.
Erdoğan asserted that those who commit such vile acts, as well as those who allow and overlook them, will not succeed in their objectives.
During an AK Party event in Istanbul, Erdoğan shared his joy and happiness in celebrating Eid al-Adha, a significant and spiritually unifying occasion for 2 billion Muslims across the globe.
He condemned the enemies of Islam and humanity who seek to overshadow this peaceful atmosphere with provocations protected by authorities.
Emphasizing that Türkiye will not yield to politics of provocation or threats, Erdoğan vowed to fight against terrorist organizations and Islamophobia with determination.
He reiterated that insulting the sacred beliefs of Muslims does not fall within the scope of freedom of expression.
The Greek newspaper Ta NEA highlighted President Erdogan's statement, "Humiliating Muslims is not freedom of expression," and Bloomberg reported on his previous warning to Sweden not to derail. Following the incident, President Erdoğan vetoed Sweden's NATO application in January.
The news in Sydsvenskan acknowledged President Erdoğan's condemnation of the Quran burning and quoted his words, "Ultimately, we will teach arrogant Westerners that insulting Muslims is not freedom of expression."
The incident has drawn international attention and reactions, bringing the issue of freedom of expression and respect for religious values into focus.