Riots erupt in Sweden after right-wing extremists burn copy of Quran
Violence erupted in Sweden as around 300 people protested against anti-Islam activities.
Protesters were throwing objects at officers and setting car tyres on fire in southern Swedish town Malmö, a police spokesperson said.
‘We don’t have this under control but we are working actively to take control,’ added the spokesperson.
‘We see a connection between what is happening now and what happened earlier today.’
The protests come after right-wing extremists burned a copy of the Quran earlier on Friday, in the same location as the protests.
Swedish daily newspaper Daily Aftonbladet reported several anti-Islam gestures had taken place in the town, including three men kicking the Quran between them.
It is understood it came after police had banned a planned far-right demonstration, organised by Rasmus Paludan, leader of the Danish far-right party Stram Kurs (Hard Line), in Malmö due to ‘safety’ issues.
After being detained by Swedish police for trying to reach the town for the demonstration, Mr Paludan was eventually banned from the country for two years.
Malmö police said his ‘behaviour’ had posed ‘a threat to the fundamental interests of society’.
Mr Paludan has since posted on Facebook expressing his anger about the ban, writing: ‘Sent back and banned from Sweden for two years. However, rapists and murderers are always welcome!’
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