Denmark Tightens Border Controls Following Quran Burnings

Following a similar move by Sweden earlier this week, the justice ministry announced late yesterday that Danish police are increasing border controls in response to recent Quran burnings that have had an impact on the security situation.

Several copies of the Muslim holy book were burned and damaged by anti-Islam demonstrators in Denmark and Sweden in recent months, causing outrage among Muslims and calls for governments to outlaw such behavior.

In order to address the specific and recent concerns, authorities have decided that it is now necessary to focus more on who is entering Denmark, according to a statement from the Danish ministry.

Initial implementation of tighter border controls will go through August 10, it said.

“The recent Quran burnings have, as the security police have said, affected the current security situation,” Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard said in the statement.

Following a similar move by Sweden, Denmark has decided to strengthen border controls by conducting additional inspections of travelers arriving in Denmark.

Both governments have denounced the burnings and stated that new legislation to prevent them is being considered. However, domestic critics claim that any such rulings would jeopardize the right to free speech that is guaranteed by their constitutions.

Muslims believe that the Quran is the literal word of God, and if they witness or hear of the sacred book being desecrated, there are usually demonstrations in the Muslim world.