Riots broke out in Sweden’s southern city of Malmö on Friday night, after a Quran was burned by far-right activists protesting the denial of entry for a Danish anti-immigration politician to hold a rally.
After the Quran-burning incident took place on Friday morning, several hundred people gathered at the spot in the evening to protest the anti-Islamic activity.
Over 300 rioters started fires, smashed bus shelters, and destroyed billboards in the Rosengar part of the town, with 15 arrested and then later released the next day. The sight and smell of burning tyres was seen across the area.
The cause of riots was attributed to the burning of a Quran by far-right activists at what was supposed to be a rally for Rasmus Paludan, leader of Denmark’s far-right anti-immigration Hard Line party.
The rioters clashed with the police, leaving several officers injured.
The rally by Paludan had been banned over “safety” issues, authorities said. Last year, Paludan held a similar rally where he set fire to a Quran wrapped in bacon.
A similar stunt was reportedly planned this year. Even without Paludan, the rally was held anyway despite the police denying permission for the same, and three were arrested for trying to incite ethnic violence after they were seen kicking a Quran.