Statement by the Danish government

Freedom of expression is one of the most important values in the Danish society. In our view, it must be so in an open democratic society, and there should never be any doubt that freedom of expression must have a broad scope in Denmark.

Denmark works to promote cooperation between the countries of the world. With a tense security situation in Europe, it is time to build partnerships; not sow discord among nations.

We are currently facing a situation where the burnings of the holy Quran in Denmark have reached a level where Denmark, in many parts of the world across continents, is being viewed as a country that facilitates insult and denigration of the cultures, religions, and traditions of other countries. 15 governments have issued condemnations of Denmark. Our ambassadors have been summoned for discussions. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is meeting on Monday in response to the burnings of the holy Quran in Denmark and Sweden.

Some of the actions we have witnessed have had as their primary purpose to insult and provoke reactions in and from other countries. This could have significant consequences. Consequences that fundamentally harm Denmark and the interests of like-minded nations. It could also have major security implications in Denmark.

The Danish government has clearly distanced itself from and condemned the burnings of the holy Quran. The burnings are deeply offensive and reckless acts committed by few individuals. These few individuals do not represent the values the Danish society is built on.

These actions play into the hands of extremists. They sow division at a time when we need to stand together, and they benefit the countries that want to drive a wedge between the West and the Global South.

The Danish government will therefore explore the possibility of intervening in special situations where, for instance, other countries, cultures, and religions are being insulted, and where this could have significant negative consequences for Denmark, not least with regard to security. This must of course be done within the framework of the constitutionally protected freedom of expression and in a manner that does not change the fact that freedom of expression in Denmark has very broad scope.