Defaced Quran with bullet holes found chained to Stockholm Mosque

A desecrated copy of the Quran was discovered chained to the railings of the Stockholm Mosque on Sunday in what mosque officials have denounced as a racist and Islamophobic attack. The holy book had been shot six times and was accompanied by a note telling Muslims it was "time to go home," escalating concerns over rising hate crimes in Sweden.

Details of the Desecration

In a statement, the mosque's administration said the damaged Quran was found attached to the stairs leading to the building. The chairman of the Stockholm Mosque, Mahmud al-Halefi, told Anadolu that the note was written in both Arabic and Swedish, reading, “Thanks for the visit, but it’s time to go home.” He described the message as an explicit racist statement targeting the Muslim community and emphasized that such attacks have been increasing daily in the country.

Community Reaction and Police Investigation

Halefi strongly condemned the act, stating it was deeply offensive and part of a broader pattern of anti-Muslim hatred. The incident has provoked strong reactions within Sweden's Muslim community, which is calling for concrete measures from authorities. Swedish police have launched an investigation into the attack, which is being treated as a hate crime.

Calls for Stronger Measures Against Hate Crimes

The mosque chairman urged authorities to take firm action to combat hate crimes and ensure the safety of religious communities. This incident highlights ongoing tensions and the challenges of integrating diverse communities in Sweden, where acts of religious desecration have periodically sparked national debates about tolerance, security, and the rise of far-right sentiments.