European Union: Burning of the Quran and other holy books is a clear act of provocation

(Patria) - The burning of a copy of the Quran or any other holy book is offensive, disrespectful, and a clear act of provocation, the European Union announced.

The reaction followed after a person identified as Salvan Momika set fire to a copy of the Muslim holy book under police protection in front of a mosque in Stockholm on Wednesday.

The provocation coincided with the first day of Eid al-Adha, one of the most important Islamic religious holidays celebrated by Muslims worldwide.

"Manifestations of racism, xenophobia, and intolerance have no place in Europe," said Nabila Masrali, spokesperson for the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

She added that the EU joins the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in their strong condemnation of the act of burning the Quran.

"This act in no way reflects the views of the European Union. It is even more regrettable that such an act was committed during the important Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha," Masrali added./Pa