Swedish Ambassador to Morocco Claims Government Does Not Support Islamophobia

Last updated Jun 30, 2023

Jorgen Karlsson, the Swedish ambassador to Morocco, stated on Thursday that while the Swedish government “does not support Islamophobia,” there is “a constitutional right to freedom of expression.”

In a tweet, Karlsson stated that the Swedish government “in no way supports the Islamophobic opinions that were expressed by individuals during yesterday’s demonstration in Stockholm.” The government “completely understands if these Islamophobic views have offended Muslims.”

“In Sweden, there is a constitutional right to freedom of expression, but this does not imply that the government supports the opinions expressed,” he continued.

Morocco’s envoy to Scandinavia was recalled on Thursday due to anti-Muslim demonstrations in which a small group of individuals gathered to burn the Quran, the holy book of Islam, in Stockholm.

Increasing numbers of nations and regional organizations have condemned the incident, arguing that it is consistent with trends in Islamophobia and the rise of neo-Nazi and far-right attitudes in Europe.

A Swedish court authorized the protest, citing “freedom of expression” as its justification.

Morocco called the protest “offensive” and “irresponsible,” saying it disregarded the views of more than a billion Muslims. It further noted that it occurred during Eid Al Adha, one of the most important Muslim holidays.

According to a statement from Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “the Kingdom considers it unacceptable that the faith of Muslims should be disrespected in this way, and the principles of tolerance and the values of universalism cannot be reduced to accommodating the views of a few while showing such little regard for the beliefs of more than a billion Muslims.” This is regardless of political positions or differences that may exist between nations.