The verdict has been announced in the trial of Danish far-right Rasmus Paludan, who burned Qurans and insulted Muslims. The court sentenced Paludan to 4 months in prison for committing a hate crime.
Rasmus Paludan, the leader of the Danish far-right Strict Direction party (Stram Kurs) in Malmö, Sweden in 2022, was sentenced to 4 months in prison for hate crimes for insulting Muslims while burning a Quran. In a statement made by the Malmö Regional Court, it was stated that Paludan, who was tried for hate crimes on the grounds that he used derogatory and disrespectful words towards Muslims while wrapping bacon around a Quran and burning it in 2022, was sentenced to 4 months in prison. A hate crime case was filed against Paludan by various individuals and institutions for insulting the Quran and Muslims. DID NOT GO TO TESTIFY An arrest warrant was issued by the Malmö Public Prosecutor’s Office for Paludan, who did not go to testify. Paludan did not attend the hearing yesterday. Speaking to Swedish state television SVT, Paludan announced that he would appeal the decision and take the case to a higher court. Paludan also added that he would not go to Sweden again. WHAT HAPPENED? Rasmus Paludan continued his provocations to burn Qurans in the Swedish cities of Malmö, Norköping, Jönköping and Stockholm during the Easter holiday in 2022. Protesters who wanted Paludan to be stopped also burned tires on the roads and attacked the police with stones. In the incidents that broke out, 104 police officers and 14 protesters were injured, and 20 police vehicles were burned and damaged. Rasmus Paludan also burned the Quran in front of the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm. No one was allowed to approach Paludan during the protest, which was carried out under crowded police protection. Provocations to burn holy books banned in Denmark The Danish Parliament passed a bill on December 7, 2023, banning the burning of holy books and attacks on these books. It was announced that those who violated the law could be given a fine or up to two years in prison.
