The burning of the Holy Quran has harmed the security situation, prompting Denmark to follow Sweden’s lead and increase border restrictions, the justice ministry announced late Thursday.
Several copies of the Holy Book have been torched or otherwise destroyed by anti-Islam demonstrators in Denmark and Sweden in recent months, prompting outrage in the Muslim world and calls for governments to ban such crimes.
The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying, “Authorities have today concluded that it is necessary at this time to increase the focus on who is entering Denmark, in order to respond to the specific and current threats.”
The date that stricter border controls will take effect is August 10.
“The recent Quran burnings have, as the security police have said, affected the current security situation,” Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard said.
Following a similar move by Sweden, Denmark has decided to strengthen border restrictions by conducting extra checks on entering travelers.
Both governments have spoken out against the arsons and claimed they are looking into new legislation that could prevent future incidents. However, critics at home argue that such a move would violate the free expression guaranteed by their own constitutions.
