ABU DHABI, 21st July, 2020 (WAM) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned officials at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Sweden in Abu Dhabi and handed over an official letter of condemnation against the continued attacks and abuses by extremists in the Kingdom of Sweden. The Swedish government continues to allow the practice of these illegal acts, escaping its international responsibility and showing no respect for social values ​​in this regard.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed the importance of monitoring hate speech and racism, which negatively affect the achievement of peace and security, justifying the UAE’s refusal to exercise freedom of expression for such heinous acts.

The ministry affirmed that the UAE permanently rejects all practices that undermine security and stability and are contrary to humane and moral values ​​and principles, hate speech and extremism are contrary to international efforts to spread the values ​​of tolerance, coexistence and peace among people.

The ministry emphasized the importance of respecting religious symbols and sanctities and avoiding incitement and polarisation, at a time when the world needs to work together to uphold universal principles of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

The ministry asserted that allowing such misbehavior repeatedly is contrary to international norms and laws prohibiting attacks and insults to religions, books and sacred symbols, and that hate speech and extremism lead to the outbreak, escalation and recurrence of conflicts in the world.