An Iraqi man who gained notoriety for carrying out Quran burnings in Sweden has announced his intention to seek asylum in neighboring Norway following a deportation order issued by Swedish authorities. The 37-year-old individual, known for staging multiple desecrations of the sacred Islamic text, expressed his dissatisfaction with Sweden's handling of his case and cited concerns for his safety if returned to Iraq.
The provocative actions of the individual, which garnered global attention and sparked outrage in Muslim-majority countries, have also had diplomatic repercussions for Sweden. His activities were reportedly a contributing factor in the delay of Sweden's NATO membership approval, with countries like Turkey expressing strong objections.
Despite having been granted a residence permit in Sweden in 2021, the man had his permit revoked last October due to alleged discrepancies in his application. While facing deportation, his removal has been postponed due to security considerations surrounding potential threats to his life in Iraq.
Claiming that Sweden does not respect him, the individual stated his decision to relocate to a country that he feels will welcome and respect him. He revealed that he has already entered Norway and is en route to the capital, Oslo, where he intends to seek asylum.
Authorities in Norway have not yet provided a formal response to the individual's asylum request. The situation continues to evolve as the controversial figure navigates the complexities of seeking refuge in a new country.
