Activists shared videos and photos on social media platform Twitter of Russian President Vladimir Putin embracing a copy of the Quran presented to him as a gift during his visit to a mosque in Dagestan. President Putin held the Quran and condemned "the burning of the Quran" in Sweden.
During his visit to the "Jummah" mosque in Derbent, he stated: "The Patriarch of Russia always confirms to us that Muslims are our brothers, and this is the case for us."
Putin said during his visit to a mosque in Dagestan: "Muslims are our brothers and the Quran is a holy book for Muslims. Russia has great respect for the Quran and for the religious feelings of Muslims. Disrespecting this holy book in Russia is a crime, and this is not common in all countries."
His words trended on Twitter, where activists praised his stance amidst the anger among Muslims after an extremist burned a copy of the Holy Quran at the Central Mosque of Stockholm following Eid al-Adha prayers.
