Sweden reviews residence permit for Iraqi who burned a copy of the Quran

(Patria) - The Swedish Migration Agency announced it is reviewing the residence permit of the Iraqi refugee behind several desecrations of copies of the Quran in Stockholm in recent weeks, which has upset Muslims around the world, Reuters reported.

The Iraqi man last month burned a copy of the Quran in front of the central mosque in Stockholm, and also held demonstrations in front of the Iraqi embassy in July where he said he would burn the holy book, but did not do so.

The Migration Agency said it is reviewing his immigration status after receiving information from Swedish authorities that gave reason to examine whether the man should have his status in Sweden revoked.

"It is a legal measure taken when the Swedish Migration Agency receives such information, and it is too early to say anything about the outcome of the case," said an agency spokesperson, adding that he is unable to comment further due to confidentiality.

According to the Swedish news agency TT, the man has a temporary residence permit in Sweden that expires in 2024. Sweden has been in the spotlight of the international public in recent weeks following protests in which a copy of the Quran was damaged and burned.

Stockholm police have also received reports of demonstrations that included the burning of other religious books such as the Christian and Hebrew Bibles, leading many to criticize Sweden.

Swedish courts have ruled that police cannot stop the burning of holy scriptures, but the government of Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson earlier in July said it would examine whether there is reason to amend the Public Order Act to allow police to stop the burning of the Quran.