The Iraqi Foreign Ministry condemned today, Monday, the burning of a copy of the Quran in front of its embassy in Denmark, according to the Iraqi News Agency. The agency added that the ministry calls on the authorities in European Union countries to "quickly reconsider what is called freedom of expression and the right to protest." The ministry reiterated this demand, highlighting the need for a review of these concepts. An official spokesperson for the Iraqi Foreign Ministry mentioned that "the diplomatic staff of the Danish mission in Baghdad left Iraqi territory two days ago."
Two individuals burned the Quran in front of the Iraqi embassy in the Danish capital, Copenhagen, today. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen condemned the act of burning a Quran. Rasmussen stated on Twitter, "These provocative and disgraceful actions do not represent the views of the Danish government. I urge everyone to remain calm... violence should never be the response."
Protesters demonstrated in Baghdad on Saturday amid tight security measures, with bridges leading to the Green Zone—home to many foreign embassies—being closed following an attempt by demonstrators to reach the Danish embassy. A spokesperson for the Iraqi Foreign Ministry confirmed that "the diplomatic staff of the Danish mission in Baghdad left Iraqi territory two days ago." However, no details were provided regarding the reason or specific timing of the departure. A spokesperson for the Danish Foreign Ministry stated that the embassy in Baghdad has been closed due to summer vacation since July 22. They added, "We have not withdrawn from Iraq," and declined to comment on the possibility of staff leaving during the closure period.
