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Rasmus Paludan, the Danish-Swedish far-right politician, lawyer, and controversial activist, is once again in the headlines for his incendiary actions.

 

Known for his extreme views against Islam and immigration, Paludan’s latest stunt has drawn widespread attention and has added to his already volatile and hunted reputation.

 

On February 1, 2025, Paludan burnt copies of the Quran outside the Turkish embassy in Denmark, in a highly provocative demonstration to commemorate Salwan Momika, the Iraqi militia leader who was shot dead in Sweden earlier that week.

 

Momika, a former Christian militia leader from Iraq, had taken refuge in Sweden after becoming a vocal critic of Islam. He had even gained notoriety for burning copies of the Quran in public protests.

 

His actions had led to multiple death threats and incited considerable public debate.

 

On January 30, 2025, Salwan Momika was tragically killed in Sweden, which prompted Rasmus Paludan to organise a protest to honour his "sacrifice". Paludan, already a polarising figure, took to the streets in Copenhagen, standing outside the Turkish embassy with Qurans in hand.

 

During the protest, Paludan made it clear that his actions were meant to pay tribute to Momika’s life and his critical stance on Islam. In his words, "This is to commemorate the sacrifice of Salwan Momika and his criticism of Islam."

 

However, Paludan’s protest did not go unnoticed by Danish authorities. Copenhagen police had previously attempted to ban the protest, but Paludan defiantly went ahead with his actions, claiming he had enjoyed burning the Quran.

 

Despite the protests being declared unlawful, Paludan managed to ignite his controversy in front of the embassy. In his statement, he mentioned the heightened risks to his life due to his activities, but he seemed unfazed by the threat of violence.

 

Observers believe that Paludan’s actions were not just a form of protest but also a deliberate act to provoke heightened attention to his brand of far-right rhetoric.

 

For those unfamiliar with Paludan’s actions, it’s important to understand the historical context of his provocations. He is known for his repeated desecration of the Quran in highly publicized protests, often arguing that it is his right to express himself under the banner of free speech.

 

His past demonstrations have spanned beyond Denmark and into neighbouring countries such as Sweden, where his Quran-burning protests were met with violent riots and public unrest.

 

In Sweden, cities like Malmo, Norrkoping, and Linkoping witnessed protests, which resulted in violent clashes between demonstrators and the police.

 

Despite the violence, Paludan was able to carry out some of his planned actions, as Swedish laws protecting freedom of expression allowed him to proceed, much to the dismay of critics.

 

Rasmus Paludan’s inflammatory actions have earned him a notorious reputation, and many countries have responded by banning him from entering their territories.

 

Sweden, Belgium, and several other European nations have blacklisted him, citing concerns over public safety and the potential for violence. Paludan’s extreme actions have sparked debates on the limits of free speech, particularly when such speech can incite hatred and division.

 

In Denmark, Paludan’s actions have led to numerous legal consequences, including convictions for racism, defamation, and reckless driving. In 2020, he was sentenced to three months in prison for racist comments made about a Danish MP of African descent.

 

His political party, Stram Kurs (Hard Line), which he founded in 2017, has also struggled to gain significant traction.

 

Despite his controversial actions, Paludan’s party only secured 1.8 pc of the vote in the 2019 Danish parliamentary elections, failing to meet the 2 pc threshold required to enter parliament.

 

However, his extreme views on immigration, Islam, and Western values have resonated with a small but vocal group of followers.

 

Giv en vælgererklæring til Stram Kurs: https://t.co/HY0FVOI0kE

"Må man sige, at muslimer bare kommer her og nasser?
Og at grunden til de kommer, er de offentlige kasser?

Må man sige, at muslimer, ikke har respekt for kvinder?
Og at de først er glade, når demokratiet helt… pic.twitter.com/qkZog6nbmF

— Rasmus Paludan 🇩🇰 (@RasmusPaludan) January 28, 2025

 

Paludan’s position as one of the most-hunted men in the world is a testament to the impact of his actions. His inflammatory rhetoric and his role in stoking divisions within societies have put him at odds with governments, human rights organisations, and communities across Europe.

 

Turkey, in particular, has condemned his actions and used them as a reason to delay Sweden’s entry into NATO, the military alliance that includes many Western powers.

 

Paludan’s stance on the issue of immigration has been clear: he advocates for the deportation of immigrants, particularly Muslims, whom he views as a threat to Danish and Western values.

 

His words have often been harsh and divisive, claiming that Muslims and Islam can never live in harmony with Western societies, and that the only two options are either for Muslims to return to their countries of origin or for Europeans to convert to Islam under the threat of violence.

 

Despite the backlash and legal consequences, Paludan has continued to generate media attention through his controversial stunts.

 

His views, which many deem extremist and Islamophobic, continue to fuel debates about the limits of freedom of expression, particularly when it comes to actions that target specific religious or ethnic groups. 

 

Paludan’s actions have also raised questions about the growing tensions within European societies over issues of immigration, religious identity, and national values.

 

Paludan’s influence may be limited in mainstream politics, but his provocative demonstrations and his far-right views continue to make him a figure of significant media interest.

 

He has positioned himself as a champion of free speech, despite the criticism and consequences that have followed his actions. Whether or not Paludan’s actions will lead to greater acceptance of his views or further polarise European societies remains to be seen.

 

What is clear is that Paludan has become one of the most divisive figures in European politics, and his actions are likely to remain a topic of controversy for the foreseeable future.