Sweden sentences right-wing Paludan to four months for Quran burning

Rasmus Paludan, leader of Denmark’s far-right Stram Kurs (Hard Line) party, was sentenced to four months in prison by a Swedish court for inciting ethnic hatred. The conviction relates to protests in Malmo in 2022 where Paludan burned a Quran and made derogatory remarks about Muslims.

Details of the Offense

The Malmo District Court stated that Paludan wrapped a Quran in pork bacon and set it ablaze while using language deemed offensive towards Muslims. His actions were deemed to exceed permissible public criticism and responsible discourse, according to Judge Nicklas Soderberg.

Previous protests and wider implications

Paludan’s demonstrations in Sweden in 2022, during the Easter holiday, included similar provocations in Malmo, Norrkoping, Jonkoping, and Stockholm, leading to widespread unrest. These events injured 104 police officers and 14 protesters, with significant damage to police vehicles.

Paludan’s response and intentions

Despite the ruling, Paludan, who did not attend the hearings and had previously been subject to an arrest warrant by Malmo prosecutors, told Swedish media SVT that he intends to appeal the decision. He also mentioned he would not visit Sweden again.

Past and future legislative actions

The burning of a Quran outside Türkiye’s embassy in Stockholm in January 2023 strained Sweden’s diplomatic ties and affected its NATO bid. Denmark subsequently passed a law in December 2023 banning desecration of religious texts, with penalties including fines or up to two years in prison.