Swedish Minister for Civil Defense Karl Oscar Bolin expressed regret on Wednesday over Sweden being subjected to a disinformation campaign by "entities supported by Russia" aimed at tarnishing the image of the country, which is a candidate for joining NATO, by suggesting it has supported the recent incidents of Quran burning.
Bolin stated, "Sweden is the target of a disinformation campaign backed by official and semi-official entities aimed at harming Sweden's interests... and the interests of Swedish citizens." He added, "We can see how Russia-backed entities are exaggerating inaccurate statements such as the claim that the Swedish state is behind the desecration of sacred texts." He emphasized, "This is, of course, completely false," noting that these official entities are trying to "create division and weaken Sweden's position internationally."
The Russian embassy in Stockholm did not respond to a request for comment. Several Qurans were burned during protests in Sweden and Denmark this summer, sparking angry reactions among Muslims and igniting protests where demonstrators stormed and vandalized the Swedish embassy in Baghdad.
