Swedish Prime Minister: No Plans for Major Changes to Freedom of Speech Laws

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated today, Tuesday, that "Sweden does not intend to make major changes to freedom of speech laws, but it has reiterated that it will explore changes that allow the police to stop the public burning of sacred texts if it poses a clear threat to national security." In a press conference, Kristersson said, "In a free country like Sweden, one has a great deal of freedom. But this great degree of freedom comes with a significant degree of responsibility." He noted that "comprehensive changes to freedom of expression laws in Sweden are not on the agenda, but the government is considering changes that might allow the police to prevent the burning of Qurans in public places if this represents a threat to Sweden's security." Kristersson added, "We have completely different political systems from some of Sweden's critics, as well as entirely different views on human rights, including freedom of expression... It is not that Sweden is adapting itself to the demands of other countries. We are not doing that." Sweden and Denmark have seen several incidents of Quran burnings in recent weeks, straining relations with several Muslim countries.