Iran (IMNA) - In response to the recent burning of copies of the Qur'an in Sweden and Denmark, Amir-Abdollahian made the plea on Monday at an emergency meeting of the 57-member OIC, which was called at the request of Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
Amir-Abdollahian addressed the meeting via video connection and said, "Unfortunately, the growing trend of intolerance and violence against Islam and Muslims in some European countries has become a fundamental challenge due to the support of certain ruling factions."
Defaming the Holy Qur'an and the values and beliefs of more than two billion Muslims worldwide is sacrilegious and wicked conduct, according to the top Iranian diplomat, and it is the result of a "very worrying trend."
Amir-Abdollahian emphasized that by eroding the cultural and religious affinities between nations and disregarding human rights, such measures aim to undermine mutual understanding and the spirit of peaceful coexistence in the international community.
The Iranian foreign minister expressed "deep regret" that some people degrade ideologies and morals while claiming to promote free speech and having the support of some European countries.
"We firmly believe that it is in everyone's best interest to prevent any repetition of insults to religions, including Islam," Amir-Abdollahian added.
In the meantime, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation urged the governments of Sweden and Denmark to take an "official stand" to stop the desecration of the Holy Qur'an.
The OIC secretary general, Hissein Ibrahim Taha, reiterated his request that the authorities in Sweden and Denmark take official action and expressed dismay that "no measures have been taken in this regard so far."
Amir-Abdollahian also suggested sending a delegation from the OIC to Sweden and Denmark to meet with the relevant authorities, express the deep concern and sensitivity of Islamic governments and the Muslim community regarding the recent offensive actions, and call for "severe punishment" for those involved in hate speech and anti-Islamic activities.
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