Riots in Sweden over Quran-burning events; govt upholds free speech, refuses to stop provocateur

Riots broke out in the European country of Sweden, over demonstrations planned by a right-wing group. Danish party Stram Kurs had reportedly planned to hold a Quran-burning protest.

Those opposed to the event are accused to have indulged in violence. Swedish police reportedly shifted the location of the Stram Kurs anti-Islam demonstration, but refused to cancel it.

Stones were pelted, fire was set to cars, tires, and dustbins, and traffic was obstructed by the counter-protestors. Around a dozen police officers were injured, and 4 police vehicles were set on fire in Orebro, as per reports.

The Swedish government has refused to ban Stram Kurs' anti-Quran demonstrations despite complaints. Sweden's Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson was quoted as saying, "In Sweden, people are allowed to express their opinions, whether they are in good or bad taste, that is part of our democracy. No matter what you think, you must never resort to violence. We will never accept it."

However, Islamic nations like Saudi Arabia and Iraq have lodged their diplomatic protests.