BAGHDAD – Dozens of people have stormed the compound of the Swedish embassy in Iraq’s capital, Baghdad, after a Quran was burnt during a protest in Sweden.
Salwan Momika, said to be an Iraqi living in Sweden, set fire to a copy of Islam’s holy book outside Stockholm’s central mosque on Wednesday last week.
The Quran burning was condemned by many Muslim-majority countries.
A crowd gathered outside the embassy in Baghdad after a powerful cleric called for an “angry” protest.
Videos posted on social media appeared to show dozens of protesters walking inside the courtyard.
An AFP news agency photographer at the scene said the crowd briefly entered the building and remained inside for about 15 minutes before leaving when local security forces were deployed.
Muslims consider the Quran the sacred word of God and view any intentional damage or show of disrespect towards it as deeply offensive.
The Quran burning took place as Muslims around the world celebrated the first day of Eid al Adha, one of the most important festivals in the Muslim calendar. (BBC)
