Iraqis protest over Koran desecration; Iran condemns Sweden

FILE PHOTO: Lars Lokke Rasmussen, Denmark's Foreign Minister, attends the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London, Britain June 21, 2023. REUTERS/Hannah McKay/Pool/File Photo

BAGHDAD (Reuters) -Several thousand Iraqis demonstrated in Baghdad on Saturday over the burning or damaging of the Koran during anti-Islam protests in Sweden and Denmark, in a gathering called by ruling Iraqi parties and armed groups, many close to Iran.

Iran's supreme leader said those desecrating the Koran should face the "most severe punishment" and that by defending perpetrators Sweden was gearing for "war" against Muslims.