The Danish Parliament, after an hour-long debate, adopted a law banning improper handling of sacred scriptures; 94 parliamentarians approved it, 77 opposed it, RBC reports, citing local media.
The law also provides for criminal liability for burning the Koran and other books of importance to religious communities – up to two years in prison.
The bill was first introduced in August. Danish Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard, presenting the initiative, called the burning of the Koran “a mocking and unpleasant act.” “It harms Denmark and Danish interests and risks harming the security of Danes around the world and here at home. Therefore, the government wanted limited and precise legal intervention,” he said.
“Improper handling” includes burning, spilling liquid on the holy book, stepping on it, kicking it, destroying it by tearing, cutting or piercing with a knife.
The adoption of the law was preceded by protests with the burning of the Koran in Scandinavian countries. In particular, in July, the radical activist group Danske Patrioter (“Danish Patriots”) held a Koran burning event in front of the Iraqi embassy in Denmark, calling it a response to the attack on the Swedish embassy in Baghdad.
Source: Rosbalt
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