Turkish Muslims protest Quran-burning in Sweden
Istanbul (AP): Outrage over a Quran-burning protest in Sweden produced a second day of protests in Turkey, reflecting tensions between the two countries.
Some 250 people gathered outside the Swedish Consulate in Istanbul, where a photo of Danish anti-Islam activist Rasmus Paludan was set on fire. Paludan burned Islam's holy book outside the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm on Saturday, sparking protests in Istanbul and Ankara that night.
Participants in Sunday's event carried green flags featuring the Islamic proclamation of faith and banner that said "We condemn Sweden's state-supported Islamophobia." A sign on a window of the Swedish Consulate read, "We do not share that book-burning idiot's view."
The protests have renewed concerns about Turkey holding up Sweden and Finland's bid to join NATO. Turkey has not yet ratified the Nordic nations' memberships in the military alliance, saying Sweden needs to address Ankara's security concerns.
Turkish officials slammed Sweden for allowing the Quran-burning protest but President Recep Tayyip Erdogan did not comment on it during his weekend speeches.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson tweeted late Saturday that freedom of expression was crucial to democracy but added that "what is legal is not necessarily appropriate."
"Burning books that are holy to many is a deeply disrespectful act. I want to express my sympathy for all Muslims who are offended by what has happened in Stockholm today," Kristersson said.
Mustafa Demircan, one of the people protesting in Istanbul on Sunday, said the act of burning the Quran should not be considered an act protected by the right of free expression.
Protesters also gathered outside the Swedish Embassy in Ankara for a second day. In southeastern Sanliurfa province, men held the Quran high after prayers in a mosque and chanted "God is great" in videos shared online. More protests were planned for Sunday evening. (AP)
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AAP's Sanjay Singh alleges attack on party councillor
New Delhi (PTI): Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh on Thursday alleged that a party councillor and a worker were assaulted in west Delhi and demanded that the police register an FIR and take action against those involved.
Addressing a press conference, Singh said the incident occurred on Wednesday when AAP councillor Jyoti Gautam visited her ward to inspect ongoing road work along with party worker Sanjay Bhairava in Rajendra Nagar constituency.
He alleged, "Some individuals linked to BJP MLA Umang Bajaj attacked the worker and misbehaved with the councillor."
There was no immediate reaction available from the BJP over the allegations.
Singh claimed that Gautam later approached the police station and sought registration of an FIR, stating that the incident and injuries had been medically documented.
He urged the Union Home Ministry and the Delhi Police to take immediate action in the matter.
The AAP MP also referred to a separate case involving former party MLA Somesh Shokeen, alleging that he had received threats and an extortion demand of Rs 10 crore.
Singh said a complaint had been submitted to the police and called for a prompt investigation.
He said he would raise both issues in Parliament and before the parliamentary committee on home affairs.
STORY | AAP's Sanjay Singh alleges attack on party councillor
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 12, 2026
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh on Thursday alleged that a party councillor and a worker were assaulted in west Delhi and demanded that the police register an FIR and take action against those involved.
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