Danish FM: Denmark’s govt. condemns any insult to religious sanctities and abuse of freedom of speech

Following the repetition of the desecration of Islamic sanctities in Denmark, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen had a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian.

Following the repetition of the desecration of Islamic sanctities in Denmark, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen had a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian. During the conversation, Rasmussen expressed regret over the defiling of the Holy Quran, saying Denmark strongly condemns any insult to the holy book of Muslims.

Rasmussen stressed that although freedom of speech, freedom of religion and peaceful rallies are the main pillars of the Danish constitution, some people abuse it, which Copenhagen finds unacceptable.

Rasmussen added that a small number of people should not be viewed as the representatives of the Danish people. Amirabdollahian for his part described the initiative of Denmark to telephone Iran and the Danish government’s move to condemn this act as remarkable. He underlined the necessity of punishing those who insult the Quran.

He condemned the recent desecration of the Holy Quran, saying freedom of speech is not a concept which would condone targeting and attacking religious values. On this basis, the repetition of such petty and sacrilegious acts, which is a reminder of the age of ignorance, is condemned in the strongest possible words. Amirabdollahian reiterated that the recent affronts hurt the pure feelings of Muslims and the followers of other Abrahamic religions and the latest resolution of the United Nations General Assembly regarding the issue is remarkable.

He further referred to the repetition of the disgusting phenomenon of defiling the Quran and the issuance of necessary warnings through diplomatic channels. Amirabdolalhian then said the Danish government is seriously expected to prevent the repetition of such acts by assuming its responsibility in this regard and by taking effective measures to hold the perpetrators to account through meting out severe punishment.

The two sides also stressed the importance of maintaining and boosting existing ties between Iran and Denmark.