State Secretary Henrik Thune in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemns the violence in Sweden and, at the same time, distances himself from acts that increase polarization between people.
There have been violent riots in Sweden for multiple days in a row. Protesters have attacked the police during rallies where the controversial Danish politician Rasmus Paludan, among other things, burned the Koran.
Thune condemned the violence but pointed out that he also distanced himself from polarizing acts related to faith and religion. He pointed to both freedom of speech and freedom of religion.
“I condemn the violence we now see against the police and civilians in several places in Sweden. I also distance myself from acts and statements that aim to promote polarization between people of different faiths or religions,” Thune said in a statement sent to NTB.
“Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of any democracy. Freedom of religion is also a constitutional human right. Freedom of expression is crucial for an open and constructive dialogue about religion and faith, and without freedom of expression, it is not possible to safeguard the right to practice one’s faith or view of life,” Thune noted.
Source: © NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayNews
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