“We do not share that book-burning idiot’s view”

Consulate General of Sweden in Istanbul responded the angry protestors demonstrating outside its building via a paper sign, following the burning of a copy of Koran by a far-right anti-Islam politician in Stockholm at the weekend.

The paper taped on one of the consulate building’s windows read as "We do not share that book-burning idiot's view," Associated Press (AP) reported on Sunday.

Rasmus Paludan, the leader of the Danish far-right political party Stram Kurs (Hard Line) has burned a copy of Muslim’s holy book of Koran during a manifestation outside the Turkish embassy in Stockholm on Saturday.

Immediately after the incident that caused outrage in Turkey, angry protestors staged a demonstration in front of the Consulate General of Sweden in Istanbul, torching a Swedish flag on Saturday night. In the second day of the protests on Sunday, around 250 people have gathered outside the consulate building, carrying green flags featuring the Islamic proclamation of faith and banner that said “We condemn Sweden’s state-supported Islamophobia,” AP said.

In response, the consulate taped a paper sign on one of its windows, reading "We do not share that book-burning idiot's view".

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson tweeted late Saturday saying that burning books that are holy to many is a deeply disrespectful act.

“I want to express my sympathy for all Muslims who are offended by what has happened in Stockholm today,” Kristersson said, however adding that the freedom of expression was crucial to democracy.

Turkish officials strongly condemned the Koran-burning protest, also blasting the Swedish government for permitting such “anti-Islam act”.

“Permitting this anti-Islam act, which targets Muslims and insults our sacred values, under the guise of ‘freedom of expression’ is completely unacceptable,” Turkish foreign ministry said.

Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said he was concerned that the demonstration could further delay Turkey's ratification of Sweden's application to join NATO, but he added that it would be "very inappropriate" for him to call for prohibiting a person from holding a demonstration.