Protests continue to rock Iraq

This latest protest, which took place at night, was prompted by reports of what appeared to be the desecration of the Koran in Denmark.

New protests rocked Baghdad on Saturday, protesting the desecration of the Qur’an amid diplomatic tensions, after the police dispersed hundreds of supporters of Muqtada al-Sadr heading to the Danish embassy.

This latest protest, which took place at night, was prompted by reports of what appeared to be the desecration of the Koran in Denmark. The far-right Danske Patrioter movement on Facebook posted a video on Friday of a man appearing to be burning a Quran and stepping on an Iraqi flag.

“No to Satan, yes, yes, to the Qur’an.”

In contact with Agence France-Presse, Copenhagen police confirmed on Saturday, “a very small demonstration yesterday in front of the Iraqi embassy” during which a “book” was burned without saying “which book it was.” This incident is the latest in a series of marches that have raised tensions between Scandinavian and Muslim countries.

After two events in Stockholm in which an Iraqi Quran was desecrated by an Iraqi refugee, supporters of Muqtada al-Sadr burned the Swedish embassy in Baghdad on Thursday and the Iraqi government announced the expulsion of the Swedish ambassador.

Late on Saturday afternoon, several hundred demonstrators, waving copies of the Koran and Iraqi flags, gathered on a Baghdad street, for a rally organized by supporters of the former pro-Iranian Popular Mobilization Forces. “No to Satan, yes, yes to the Qur’an,” chanted the demonstrators in a calm atmosphere, waving flags of certain groups of the popular crowd, according to an AFP correspondent. One of the banners read, “We support the Iraqi government’s decision to expel the Swedish ambassador.”

“The Qur’an is our constitution”

One of the organizers, who gave only his first name, Assad, said, “The Koran is our constitution and it represents us (…) We do not burn, we do not kill, we condemn in the name of religion and humanity.” After Sweden, Denmark crystallizes all its anger, although its Foreign Ministry denounced the “burning of the Qur’an,” the “shameful act” and the “provocative act that hurts many people.”

In southern Iraq, the Danish Refugee Council, an NGO, reported on Saturday an “armed attack” on its headquarters near Basra, ensuring its staff were “physically safe”. He said that “structures” at the site had been set on fire. Iranian diplomacy summoned the Danish ambassador, denouncing “the fires in Europe (which) remind of the dark period and era of ignorance in the Middle Ages,” according to a press release published by the Islamic Republic of Iran Agency.

Baghdad also condemned today, Saturday, “the desecration of the Holy Qur’an and the Iraqi flag” in Denmark. A statement by the Iraqi Foreign Ministry said, “These actions provoke reactions and put all parties in sensitive situations.” He stressed, however, that “the Iraqi government guarantees the protection and security provided to the diplomatic staff.” We cannot allow a repeat of what happened with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Sweden.”

“escalation”

Passed in the opposition, the influential religious leader Muqtada al-Sadr, fanning the embers. In response to the incident in Copenhagen, several hundred of his supporters gathered Saturday evening in Baghdad, according to an AFP photographer. Security forces closed two bridges leading to the Green Zone, a safe neighborhood that houses government institutions and embassies. But about a thousand demonstrators tried to force their way in and only a few managed to cross the entrance to the Green Zone.

Security forces forced them back using batons and tear gas, according to a security source, who spoke on condition of anonymity. An Interior Ministry official, who requested anonymity, confirmed to AFP that the clashes broke out when the demonstrators were removed and dispersed.

On Thursday evening, Muqtada al-Sadr described the burning of the Swedish embassy by his supporters as a “spontaneous and popular act,” warning of a possible “escalation” if “such desecration of the Qur’an is repeated.” A big fan of outbursts, the opponent has repeatedly shown his ability to rally his supporters to embarrass his political opponents. In the summer of 2022, pro-His protesters stormed the House of Representatives in Baghdad and staged a sit-in.