Title: Swedish Prime Minister Expresses "Serious Concern" Over Further Quran Burning Incidents

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed "serious concern" today regarding the consequences if protests continue to involve the desecration of copies of the Quran. Kristersson told the Swedish news agency TT that additional requests have been made to the police for permission to organize protests that would again involve the desecration of the Quran. He added, "If permission is granted, we will face some days that pose a clear threat of something serious occurring. I am very concerned about what this could lead to." Kristersson noted that the police are responsible for the decision regarding permission for demonstrators. The Swedish Security Service (Säpo) has maintained its threat level at number three on a five-point scale, indicating a "high threat" during the crisis, but its chairwoman stated that the reaction to recent events has been strong. Meanwhile, Säpo Chair Charlotte von Essen stated today, "Sweden has turned from a tolerant country to a hostile land towards Islam."