The burning of the Koran by a right-wing extremist in Sweden caused outrage in Turkey.
Erdogan spoke out against the Swedish government with sharp words.
Munich - In front of the Turkish embassy in Stockholm, the right-wing extremist Dane Rasmus Paludan burned a copy of the Koran - the holy book of Islam - on Saturday (January 21).
This triggered sharp reactions, especially in Ankara.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan targeted the Swedish government.
Stockholm's bid for NATO membership could now run into even more trouble.
Right-wing extremist burns the Koran in Stockholm – Erdogan reacts sharply against the Swedish government
Speaking after a cabinet meeting on Monday (January 23), Erdogan complained about voices describing Paludan's action as "freedom of expression".
"The rights and freedoms of an individual end where the rights and freedoms of another individual begin," said the Turkish President, adding: "Nobody has the right to insult or harass the sanctuary of Muslims or other religious groups, let alone against it The “disgusting action” in Sweden is therefore also an insult to anyone “who respects human rights and freedoms”.
If one respects rights and freedoms in this way, then one must also respect the beliefs of Muslims equally, he stressed.
Erdogan addressed the Swedish government and reiterated Ankara's opposition to the Scandinavians joining NATO.
"If you don't show this respect, then you won't get any support from us for NATO membership," Erdogan said.
Erdogan attacks Sweden with angry speech - "disrespect, baseness, dishonor"
After all, Paludan burned the Koran under the protection of the Swedish security authorities.
"He committed this disrespect, this baseness, this dishonor under the protection of your security forces, your police," Erdogan said.
Therefore, Sweden, which allowed a "disgraceful act" in front of the Turkish embassy, should not expect a positive attitude from Ankara regarding NATO membership.
In his speech, Erdogan not only referred to the burning of the Koran, but also to the demonstrations by Kurdish groups in Stockholm against Turkey.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered on the streets on Saturday and protested against Turkish military operations, among other things.
Flags of the banned PKK could also be seen.
Turkey accuses Sweden of supporting terrorism.
Sweden's NATO membership: Erdogan sticks to the resistance - Stockholm emphasizes dialogue
"If they love, defend and protect members of terrorist organizations and enemies of Islam so much, then they should also entrust their defense to them," said Erdogan, referring to Sweden's desire for NATO membership.
"You allow terrorist organizations to roam freely all over your streets, and then you ask us for support from NATO," raged the Turkish president, adding: "Forget it, there won't be anything like that." Recently, another protest action took part an Erdogan doll for discussions.
The Swedish government is apparently also aware that the latest tensions are likely to lead the NATO process to a new impasse.
"It's not exactly helpful for our NATO membership," Defense Minister Pal Jonsson told Swedish public broadcaster SVT about the demonstrations.
There is freedom of speech and demonstration.
However, he personally distances himself from Paludan's actions and has "deep respect" for the criticism of the Koran burning.
He also emphasized that efforts are still being made to establish a dialogue with Turkey.
(bb)
