By Buba Gagigo
The Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) has issued a statement condemning the burning of the Holy Quran in Sweden.
“Following the burning of the Holy Qur’an in Sweden, I write in my capacity as a Party Leader and Secretary General of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) and as a concerned Muslim who believes in the fundamental principle of religious tolerance to condemn the burning of the Holy Qur’an. The Muslim world has risen to strongly condemn this unholy act, which has continued to spark outrage. This Islamophobic act is an attack on our faith, offensive and disrespectful, with a clear provocation to the Muslim Ummah,” GDC said in a press release.
The Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) stated that violence is not an acceptable way to address the unwillingness of some people to accept the views, beliefs, or behaviour of Muslims. The GDC will no longer condone such violence.
“With such actions, has shown a lack of respect to our faith and minority groups in Sweden who have been living peacefully. The holy book was set alight last Saturday near Turkey’s embassy in Stockholm by a far-right politician and anti-Islam provocateur, Rasmus Paludan a Danish-Swedish national with a reputation for carrying out similar acts.
“The Gambia Democratic Congress rejects all forms of hate speech based on beliefs, race, or religion and dragging sanctities into political disputes, warning that hate campaigns against Islam or any faith could lead to unrest. I call on the Swedish Government and international Islamic bodies to take stern measures to avoid future desecration of the Muslim holy book or ungrounded attacks on our faith,” they said.
GDC expressed their disappointment and sadness that such a “barbaric” act was committed against Muslims, as Islam is a peaceful religion that preaches tolerance and respecting our differences.
The GDC also called on The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to take strong collective measures to avoid ‘unjust’ attacks on Islam and to urge governments to strengthen laws for the peaceful coexistence of all religions.
“The GDC is in full support of the values of tolerance and its keenness to establish the principles of international peace through dialogue and understanding. I am of the fervent belief that everyone should advocate for world peace to prosper in our various endeavours. Peace allows all of us to go by our business, worship our lord, and it starts and ends with respecting each other’s differences at all times,” they said.
Swedish media have reported that Paludan’s demonstration permit of 320 Swedish Króna (€25, $31) was paid for by a former contributor to the Kremlin-backed Channel RT, Chang Frick, who now does regular media spots for the far-right Sweden Democrats. Frick has confirmed he paid for the permit to hold the protest but denied he had asked anyone to burn the Muslim holy book.