Letter to the Equality Ombudsman of Sweden

The Comissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva, wrote a letter to Lars Arrhenius, the Equality Ombudsman of Sweden, in relation to the burning of the holy "Quran" in front of the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm. 

S. Aliyeva, expressed her particular concern about the rise of Islamophobia in European countries and that the committed act violated the freedom of religious belief of Muslims, adding that the fight against discrimination, intolerance, and Islamophobia in Europe is not at the desired level.

The letter states the inadmissibility of the indifference of the Swedish police towards such disrespect for the religion of Islam. Furthermore, it was stated that states undertake committments to ensure and protect the rights of freedom of conscience and religion as stipulated in international instruments on the protection of human rights and freedoms.

In conclusion, the Ombudsman of Azerbaijan expressed her hope that the Equality Ombudsman of Sweden will take appropriate steps regarding these kinds of issues, and take the necessary measures to bring the persons responsible for the commission of that act to justice in order to prevent the repercussion of similar acts.