Even though one may object to burning the Qur’an (I do; I’d rather people read and study it), it is a matter of the freedom of expression. If someone burns the Bible, or the Bhagavad Gita, or The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, or any other book, no one will mind. Burning the Qur’an, however, violates Islamic blasphemy law. By accepting that burning the Qur’an is something that should be restricted and even criminalized, as many in the West have done, Western authorities are opening the door for the establishment of Muslims as a special class that is above the law, and for the introduction of more Sharia into their countries. They’re striking a massive blow against one of the core principles of their society, the freedom of speech.
“Exclusive Interview: Norway Qur’an Burner’s Point Proven; Violence, Threats And Calls To Criminalize Free Speech Result,” by Amy Mek, RAIR Foundation, December 2, 2019:
“If I would go to Pakistan and burn the Qur’an they would definitely kill me, but if I go to Pakistan and burn the Bible they would honor me, they will salute me.“ – Lena Andreassen
An obscure incident in Norway is being seized upon to justify imposing international blasphemy laws.
On November 16, 2019, a violent attack triggered by the burning of a Qur’an in Southern Norway’s capital city of Kristiansand captured the attention of global media outlets. It began when Lars Thorsen, the leader of Stop Islamization of Norway (SIAN) set fire to the Qur’an, Islam’s holy book in an act of protest. Thorsen was immediately assaulted by Umer Ilyas, an Islamic witness to the event, which was meant as a statement against the ongoing assault on free speech in the West.
For his perceived blasphemy, Thorson was violently beaten as police rushed to extinguish and protect the burning Qur’an. In the wake of the incident, Umar Ilyas’ violent response has been celebrated and copy-cat actions have been encouraged.
Lena Andreassen, a photographer and SIAN member, photographed the event. RAIR Foundation USA sat down with Andreassen for an exclusive interview about the organization SIAN and the state of free speech in Norway.
Andreassen sets the stage for the event (see video):
We had four speeches that went very well. The last speech was from the founder of SIAN, Arne Thumyr. He talked about how today was a historic day in Norway, and we should burn the Qur’an. Arne Thumyr threw his copy of the Qur’an into a rubbish box. At the same moment Lars Thorsen put fire at his copy. It was chaos.
Three policemen came running to extinguish the fire. At the same moment Lars was attacked by a violent Muslim. It escalated and several Muslims broke the barriers….
There is much more. Read the rest here.