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Violent Protesters Storm Swedish Embassy In Baghdad, Minister Tobias Billstrom Condemns The Attack
Photo courtesy from Tammuz Intel Twitter
In the early hours of this morning, July 20, 2023, the Swedish Embassy in Baghdad fell victim to a violent attack as protesters forcefully stormed the premises, occupying, vandalizing, and setting it ablaze. This marks the second incident of its kind within a month, prompting a stern response from Minister for Foreign Affairs, Tobias Billström.
Minister Billström addressed the situation, unequivocally condemning the attack in the strongest possible terms, asserting that such actions are wholly unacceptable. Under the Vienna Convention, Iraqi authorities hold a clear obligation to safeguard diplomatic missions and their staff, a duty that they have regrettably failed to fulfill in this instance.
The Swedish Government has wasted no time in expressing its dismay to high-level representatives from Iraq. As a testament to their resolve, the Iraqi Chargé d’Affaires in Stockholm has been summoned to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs for further discussions.
Thankfully, the personnel at the Swedish Embassy in Baghdad managed to find safety during the chaotic incident. However, the Government is now contemplating additional measures to be taken in response to these attacks.
In a significant move, Prime Minister Mohamed Shia has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to withdraw the Iraqi Chargé d’Affaires from the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Stockholm. Additionally, a request has been issued to the Swedish ambassador in Baghdad to depart from Iraqi territory.
These actions are a direct consequence of the Swedish government's perceived lack of action regarding repeated incidents of burning the Noble Qur’an, insulting Islamic sanctities, and burning the Iraqi flag. The Prime Minister's orders signal the government's resolve to protect its nation's dignity and prevent further escalations.
Minister Billström addressed the situation, unequivocally condemning the attack in the strongest possible terms, asserting that such actions are wholly unacceptable. Under the Vienna Convention, Iraqi authorities hold a clear obligation to safeguard diplomatic missions and their staff, a duty that they have regrettably failed to fulfill in this instance.
The Swedish Government has wasted no time in expressing its dismay to high-level representatives from Iraq. As a testament to their resolve, the Iraqi Chargé d’Affaires in Stockholm has been summoned to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs for further discussions.
Thankfully, the personnel at the Swedish Embassy in Baghdad managed to find safety during the chaotic incident. However, the Government is now contemplating additional measures to be taken in response to these attacks.
In a significant move, Prime Minister Mohamed Shia has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to withdraw the Iraqi Chargé d’Affaires from the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Stockholm. Additionally, a request has been issued to the Swedish ambassador in Baghdad to depart from Iraqi territory.
These actions are a direct consequence of the Swedish government's perceived lack of action regarding repeated incidents of burning the Noble Qur’an, insulting Islamic sanctities, and burning the Iraqi flag. The Prime Minister's orders signal the government's resolve to protect its nation's dignity and prevent further escalations.
Jul 20, 2023
