Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Muslim World League (MWL), has issued a vehement condemnation of an extremist group that tore copies of the Holy Qur'an outside various embassies in The Hague.
In a joint statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry reiterated its complete rejection of such heinous acts, emphasizing that they incite hatred, exclusion, and racism, which go against the global effort to promote tolerance, moderation, and the rejection of extremism. These acts also erode the fundamental principles of mutual respect in international relations.
The MWL, headquartered in Makkah, called upon relevant countries to take effective measures to prevent these crimes, highlighting that such actions repeatedly tearing copies of the Qur'an provoke the sentiments of Muslims. The MWL is dedicated to promoting the true message of Islam through the advancement of moderate values that emphasize peace, tolerance, and love.
Additionally, the GCC, comprising six nations, called on countries witnessing provocations against Muslims to intervene and fulfill their legal and moral responsibilities in halting these internationally condemned practices. The GCC Secretary-General, Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, stressed the urgency of international action to counter such aggressive and provocative actions, which have occurred recently under the pretext of freedom of expression without clear repercussions.
In recent months, Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands have experienced a series of public protests in which copies of the Qur'an were burned or defaced, sparking outrage in Muslim-majority countries. Denmark has announced its intention to propose legislation outlawing hate acts against religions, including the burning or desecration of holy books such as the Qur'an.