NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg made controversial remarks suggesting that public Quran burning may not be considered a criminal act.
When asked about a recent incident in Sweden that sparked outrage among Muslims, Stoltenberg acknowledged the strong emotions it evokes, stating, "I understand the emotion and the depth of feeling this causes."
While condemning the act as offensive and objectionable, Stoltenberg emphasized that it may not necessarily be illegal.
Addressing the anti-NATO protests in Sweden that occurred earlier in the month, Stoltenberg expressed his disapproval but defended the right to dissent, asserting that it is an integral part of freedom of expression.
Stressing the importance of progressing Sweden's accession into the alliance, the NATO chief revealed that he had recently spoken with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and they agreed to convene a high-level meeting in Brussels the following Thursday.
The incident in question involved an Iraqi citizen residing in Sweden who burned a copy of the Quran outside a mosque in Stockholm during the celebrations of Eid al-Adha, a significant Muslim holiday.